The CDC’s Early Care and Education State Indicator Report 2023 presents information about what states are doing to promote healthy growth and prevent obesity in early care and education (ECE) settings.
For the first time in 2023, CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) was included as an indicator of state-level obesity prevention in ECE.
About CACFP: CACFP is a federal nutrition assistance program of the USDA that is administered by states. Children in full-time ECE programs are provided a substantial portion of their daily food while in care. CACFP regulates meal patterns and portion sizes, provides nutrition education, and offers sample menus and training in meal planning and preparation to help ECE providers comply with nutrition standards. Because CACFP meal pattern standards undergo scientific review and revision, they represent a gold standard by which states can set minimum requirements for licensed child care providers.
