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The Child and Adult Care Food Program: Who is Served and What are Their Nutritional Outcomes?

Author

Listed:
  • Rachel A. Gordon
  • Robert Kaestner
  • Sanders Korenman
  • Kristin Abner

Abstract

This paper addresses three basic questions about an under-studied food subsidy program, the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP): (1) Does CACFP reach targeted low-income children? (2) How do eligible families and child care providers who participate differ from those who do not participate? (3) What is the association between attending CACFP-participating child care and children's food intake, weight, and food security? We use the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort to examine these questions for a representative sample of young children and their providers. We find that program eligibility rules leave many poor children outside the CACFP program. Yet, among poor preschoolers in center-based care, participation in the program is correlated with positive outcomes such as increased consumption of milk and vegetables, and healthier weight (BMI). We discuss the implications of our findings, especially in relation to other food and child care subsidy programs.

Suggested Citation

  • Rachel A. Gordon & Robert Kaestner & Sanders Korenman & Kristin Abner, 2010. "The Child and Adult Care Food Program: Who is Served and What are Their Nutritional Outcomes?," NBER Working Papers 16148, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:16148
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sandra L. Hofferth & Sally Curtin, 2005. "Poverty, food programs, and childhood obesity," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 24(4), pages 703-726.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J18 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Public Policy

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