Home Grown Study To better support the essential work of Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers, a recent study by Home Grown, commissioned by the State of Colorado, explored the feasibility of
CACFP & Hunger, Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN)
Family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) caregivers are a critical part of Colorado’s early-childhood ecosystem — yet many are locked out of federal nutrition support. This new feasibility study explores how the Child
Home-based child care providers share feedback and insight on their experiences with legislative visits during the 2025 August recess.
Family Child Care (FCC), Federal Resources, Finances, Sustainability & Compensation
Families and child care providers are being squeezed as pandemic-era supports expire and federal funding stalls. Across the country, home-based providers are struggling to stay open amid lower reimbursements and rising costs.
Carmela is a family, friend and neighbor caregiver who is proud of her Hispanic heritage. Learn more about how her Hispanic heritage shapes her work as a HBCC caregiver in this blog.
Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN), Provider Well-Being
Grandparents are unsung heroes of home-based child care. Millions of grandparents are stepping up all across the U.S. to provide primary care for their grandchildren. Stories like Tracy Owen, Natalie Whitesides, and
CACFP & Hunger, Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN), Networks, Publication, State Resources
This implementation guide is intended to be used by public leaders at the state level responsible for child care and food program administration and by community organizations and advocates working on behalf
CACFP & Hunger, Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN), Networks, Publication, State Resources
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
CACFP & Hunger, Family Child Care (FCC), Federal Resources
Despite a small 2.23% increase in CACFP reimbursement rates for 2025–26, HBCC providers are still struggling to cover rising food and operational costs. The updated rates add just a few cents per
CACFP & Hunger, Finances, Sustainability & Compensation
The new brief underscores how the current increases in CACFP reimbursement fail to grapple with the challenges facing HBCC providers.
Networks, Publication
Employers are increasingly aware of the relationship between child care and employment: Without reliable, affordable, accessible child care, parents simply cannot participate in the workforce. There are opportunities for employers to become
Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN)
Ahead of FFN Appreciation Week 2025, a member of the Home Grown staff shares her personal experience with family, friend and neighbor providers and why she's passionate about supporting them.