Implications of the CACFP Recommendations

Implementation of the key elements of the recommended CACFP meal requirements will require many changes on the part of providers, sponsoring organizations, state agencies, and organizations that develop educational materials and offer training for CACFP providers. Changes in meal requirements to meet Dietary Guidelines are likely to increase the complexity and cost of being a CACFP provider and may present a threat to the financial stability of the program. Therefore, careful consideration was given to the many aspects of implementing change, including a realistic time frame, developed with the involvement of key stakeholders. A number of tactics are recommended, including the importance of gradual introduction and repeated exposures of new foods to children over time, involving families in taste-testing new food items or recipes, and providing technical assistance to child care providers in areas such as food purchasing and preparation techniques and developmentally appropriate feeding practices. In addition, two major challenges for providers are likely to be controlling costs and new reporting requirements. Increasing the amount and quality of food to be consistent with the recommended meal requirements will increase food costs, and the changes in the meal requirements will call for a revision in the reporting requirements for the program. Technical assistance will be needed by child care providers in ways to control costs and enable them to meet new recording requirements efficiently and accurately. The speaker will highlight the report's technical assistance recommendations.