We love seeing research focused on the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Recently, there have been two studies published in academic journals focused around the CACFP.
In the July issue of Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior researchers, which include our Executive Director - Elyse Homel Vitale, published an article called "Child Care Sites Participating in the Federal Child and Adult Care Food Program provide More Nutritious Foods and Beverages" found that CACFP sites compared with non-CACFP sites are more likely to provide nutritious foods/beverages compared with non-CACFP sites. For a limited time you can access the entire article at no charge - check it out.
While that article emphasizes the impact of the program on healthy meals provided in child care settings and encourages participation in CACFP, the article in Early Education and Development article explores the the benefits and burdens of family child care providers' experiences participating in CACFP. The researchers looked at both the rural and urban experience of family child care providers participating on the CACFP. The article"Licensed Family Child Care Providers' Participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP): Greater Benefits and Fewer Burdens in Highly Urban Areas?" makes suggestions regarding the inequities of higher reimbursement rates, who qualifies for higher reimbursement rates and technical assistance for those outside of urban areas. Check it out.
Let us know what you think about the articles or if there's other research regarding CACFP you'd like to share! coordinator@ccfproundtable.org