Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
4-13-2023
Abstract
Background: Few studies have investigated factors influencing CACFP enrollment and participation from the perspectives of sponsors and home-based child care providers, and especially those serving rural, Spanish-speaking, and border communities. The aim of this study was to describe New Mexico (NM) CACFP sponsor and home-based child care provider perspectives on burdens and benefits of the CACFP program.
Methods: Eleven interviews with sponsor staff and 11 focus groups and 33 interviews with 75 predominantly Spanish-speaking home-based child care providers (enrolled/not enrolled in CACFP) in NM from August 2020-April 2022. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Home-based child care providers not enrolled in CACFP reported limited knowledge of the program. For CACFP-enrolled providers, key burdens included upfront costs of becoming registered by the state to qualify for CACFP, planning and documenting menus by hand, complying with requirements while also meeting children’s preferences and need for additional food during long care hours, and lack of materials and support in Spanish. Rural providers reported additional burdens related to traveling to other communities to find qualifying foods and attend trainings. Providers noted that many burdens were mediated by the sponsors, but sponsors could enhance their support by providing: up-to-date, granular information on which foods qualify for reimbursement; specific, timely feedback on reimbursement denials; options for electronically submitting menus; and more training on how to introduce children to new foods. Providers identified improvements in their nutrition knowledge and financial stability and in children’s food security and willingness to try new foods as CACFP benefits. Sponsor perspectives were generally aligned with those of the providers. Sponsors advocated for increased financial and other assistance for providers to become state approved.
Conclusion: Home-based providers perceive CACFP as both burdensome and beneficial. Providers and sponsors identified potential system and support changes that could improve CACFP access in NM
Recommended Citation
Pimentel, Monica Asencio; Hailey Heinz; Darlene Castillo; Yoselin Cordova; Rebecca Fowler; Dana Bell; and Elizabeth Yakes Jimenez. "Perspectives of Sponsors and Home-Based Child Care Providers in New Mexico on Burdens and Benefits of the Child and Adult Care Food Program." (2023). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/hsc_2023_pediatric_research/11
Comments
Poster presented at Pediatric Research Forum