During Congress’s recent fall session, important legislation was proposed that, if passed, will improve the benefits of the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) for millions of children in child care, including those in home-based child care settings.
The timing of these proposals makes them particularly significant. Inflationary pressures on the cost of food (11% increases in 2022, followed by an additional 6% in 2023), coupled with the end of American Rescue Plan funding, have put many providers in a precarious financial situation. According to the RAPID EC Survey of families and providers that was initiated during the pandemic, 44% of providers continue to experience financial hardships post-pandemic, with more than 25% stating that access to affordable food is a significant source of stress.
The Child Care Nutrition Enhancement Act, sponsored by Congresswoman Bonamici (D-Ore) and Congressman Landsman (D-Ohio) would add 10 cents to reimbursement for eligible meals and snacks in child care, Head Start, at-risk after school programs, and adult care. It would also eliminate the two-tier system for family child care, which requires providers to document the household income of families they serve, reimbursing those who serve middle-class and high-income families at a second, lower tier rate.
Members of both the House and the Senate have introduced additions that would strengthen the proposed Child Care Nutrition Enhancement Act.
Early childhood advocates are asking members of Congress from both parties to co-sponsor the Child Care Nutrition Enhancement Act and to make funding for early childhood care and learning a priority.
