(P07-02-26) Contextual Factors Influencing Disparities in Childcare Center Participation in the U.S. Child and Adult Care Food Program

Objectives: The federally-regulated Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) supports child nutrition and food security, yet participation among child-care centers varies widely across states. National data show particularly low levels of participation in CACFP among centers likely serving children at risk for food insecurity, including those in rural high-poverty (26%) and moderately urban high-poverty areas (46%). Guided by these disparities, this descriptive study explored contextual factors child-care center participation in CACFP.

Methods: Qualitative descriptive study. A semi-structured discussion guide was developed. Between March and September 2025, telephone interviews were conducted with 15 child-care center directors (10 participating in CACFP) across three states. Interviews lasted about 50 minutes, were transcribed verbatim without identifiers, and coded and analyzed in Dedoose (Version 10.0.59). Director and center characteristics were summarized descriptively.

Results: Most centers were located in rural areas (80%) and 67% were current CACFP participants. Centers commonly had operated for >10 years (60%), enrolled 50–100 children (47%), and prepared meals on-site (93%) using mixed procurement sources (67%). Center directors described experiences with CACFP participation and decision-making around program enrollment. Key discussion areas included perceived benefits of CACFP, administrative and operational challenges, and resource needs. Participants also identified contextual supports and barriers within their communities, including partnerships, food procurement environments, and access to support resources.

Conclusions: Although the study was originally designed to include up to 50 center directors, early termination of federal grant funding limited the final sample size. Despite this constraint, preliminary findings provide insights into factors influencing CACFP participation and highlight opportunities to reduce administrative burden, strengthen local supports, and improve program engagement among centers serving children in high-poverty communities, with ongoing analysis further refining these themes.

Funding Sources: This research was jointly supported by funds from the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Indiana School of Public Health.