The federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is designed to reimburse child care programs for healthy meals and snacks served. But eligibility for participation and successful documentation of compliance with program requirements has been a challenge for the estimated 5 million family, friend and neighbor (FFN) caregivers who look after 11.5 million children.
This case study of Cook County, Illinois is meant to offer a path forward for state child care administrators; state CACFP lead agencies; CACFP food program sponsors; child advocates, child care advocates and hunger advocates; and intermediary organizations working on behalf of young children in their communities. The data in Cook County are compelling and definitively dispel the myth that FFN caregivers cannot participate in CACFP.
Related resource: Implementation Guide: Linking FFN Caregivers to the CACFP Program
