Understanding disparities in access to the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) by center-based Early Care and Education programs and developing strategies for equitable dissemination and uptake
Project Title
Understanding disparities in access to the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) by center-based Early Care and Education programs and developing strategies for equitable dissemination and uptake
Funding Dates
11/06/2023 – 11/06/2025
Description
Drs. Falon Smith and Temitope Erinosho will explore disparities in access to the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and develop strategies for equitable dissemination and uptake among center-based early care and education programs.
The CACFP is a federally regulated program that provides nutritional benefits to low-income children at early care and education programs (e.g., child care centers, preschools, Head Start). Participation in in CACFP is voluntary and varies widely across states. Further, during the COVID-19 pandemic many early care and education programs stopped using CACFP. As a result, millions of children are at a higher risk for food insecurity.
This research will identify inequities among early care and education programs that contribute to barriers to access and use of CACFP. The research team will combine national and state-level data to assess variations in CACFP access and regulations and will collaborate with key informants in states representing four major U.S. regions (southern, northeastern, midwestern, and western) to conduct interviews with early care and education program directors. The findings of this study will be shared with early care and education directors, researchers, and policymakers across the country.
Research Areas
Children’s Health
Health Equity
Healthy Food Access
Nutrition and Physical Activity
Principal Investigator
Falon Smith, PhD & Temitope Erinosho, PhD
Funding
Food Research & Action Center (FRAC)
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