Children’s HealthWatch published a new policy brief on the benefits of childcare feeding programs.

Child Care Feeding Programs Support Young Children’s Healthy Development

Children’s HealthWatch finds that toddlers receiving meals from their child care provider are in better health than those who must bring meals from home.  The Child and Adult Care Feeding Program (CACFP) is the nation’s only nutrition program for young children in child care.  Children’s HealthWatch identified a group of children in it’s dataset that are very likely receiving CACFP meals.  Children in participating child care centers or family child care homes are in better health, have decreased risk for hospitalization, and are at healthier heights and weights for their age than children whose meals are supplied from home.  Changes to CACFP that expand access, reduce barriers and ensure that providers have the resources they need to provide healthy meals are beneficial for young children’s health and growth.