Implementation of Revised Nutrition Standards in US Department of Agriculture's Child and Adult Care Food Program

Abstract

ObjectiveIn October 2017, substantial changes were made to improve the nutritional quality of meals served in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). This study describes the experience of child care providers and sponsors during the first year of implementation. MethodsA 1-time survey was administered to CACFP sponsors in Delaware 1 year after implementation of the changes. Data analysis included frequencies and chi-square tests of independence. ResultsAmong respondents (n = 137), 21% faced moderate or significant challenges. Food cost (53.1%) and communicating with parents about changes (44.6%) were the most common challenges faced. The majority reported that parents supported the changes and that children and teachers generally ate the new food. Conclusions and ImplicationsA minority of providers in Delaware faced significant challenges, suggesting that broad changes to CACFP may be feasibly implemented across settings. Training focused on food cost and parent communication may be warranted.