Research
Experiences of Early Child Care and Education Operators During the Pandemic
In December 2022, the Indiana University CACFP Project Team released a report describing the child nutrition and care provision experiences among early care and education (ECE) stakeholders, sponsors, and center directors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was conducted in four states and a variety of ECE stakeholders participated. The study identifies six common experiences among ECE stakeholders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read MoreFacilitators and Barriers to FCCH Enrollment in CACFP
In December 2022, the Indiana University CACFP Project Team released a report describing the facilitators and barriers to CACFP participation by family child care homes (FCCHs). The report concludes with suggestions for potential strategies to promote participation in the CACFP by FCCHs. The study was conducted in two states, Arizona and New York, that have varying levels of CACFP participation. The study outlines the facilitators and barriers to FCCHs’ enrollment in CACFP and recommends a few strategies to increase participation.
Read MoreStudy of Nutrition and Activity in CACFP
In October 2021 the USDA released a report on the Study of Nutrition and Activity in Child Care Settings (SNACS), which is the first nationally representative, comprehensive assessment of the CACFP.
Read MoreBarriers to CACFP Participation
Back to Blog Back to Blog Barriers to CACFP Participation December 2, 2022 Providing Meals in Early Childhood Settings report Hunger Free Vermont conducted a statewide survey of early childhood programs in late 2021, seeking to understand what barriers early childhood providers face when it comes to providing food to program participants. The Providing Meals…
Read MoreProblems and Solutions in Food Advertising to Children
The 2022 FACTS Report suggests problems in food advertising to children, and the newly issued National Strategy on Hunger may offer a solution.
Read MoreSurvey Review: 2021 National Farm to Early Care and Education Survey
This is a broad overview of the newly published findings of the 2021 study conducted by the National Farm to School Network and Michigan State University’s Center for Regional Food Systems. Read the complete report for an in-depth look at their findings.
Read MoreRAPID Survey Findings: Impact of The Pandemic on Hunger
This review of the RAPID Survey is from our friends at Food & Research Action Center (FRAC). We agree with their analysis and concern about childhood hunger.
Read MoreA Safety Net Unraveling: Feeding Young Children During COVID-19
The study proposes critical steps to repair our nation’s fragile ECE system, including greater investment in CACFP, to ensure the nutrition, health, and development of young children during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Taking steps to fix our previous underinvestment in these areas is essential for the nation’s future and recovery from the pandemic.
Read MoreSignificant differences found in CACFP and non-CACFP childcare sites
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that childcare sites participating in CACFP are more likely to provide nutritious food and beverages compared with non-CACFP sites
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