Inconsistent participation in the U.S. Federal Child and Adult Care Food Program limits children's access to nutritious meals

Key Takeaway: Participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) remains inconsistent and unequal across the U.S., with only 36.5% of licensed child care centers and 57.5% in low-income areas enrolled. Despite its benefits—improving child nutrition, reducing family food costs, and supporting child care providers—states show significant variation in uptake, ranging from 15.2% to 65.3% overall. Contributing factors include insufficient outreach, lack of program awareness, and disparities in state-level efforts to encourage participation. Addressing these barriers could significantly enhance food security for children during their critical early years.