Perspectives of Home-Based Child Care Providers in New Mexico on Barriers and Facilitators to Participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, 2021–2022

Abstract

This study examined New Mexico home-based child care provider perspectives (n = 75) on barriers to and facilitators of Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) participation. Two thirds of the sample were Spanish speakers. Providers reported that CACFP reimbursement does not cover actual food costs and the time-and-effort costs of obtaining qualifying foods and completing required documentation. They noted that additional reimbursed meals are needed for children in care for extended hours and that linguistically competent CACFP sponsor staff facilitated their participation. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(S3):S215–S219. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307402 )