Implementation of Federal Waivers for Feeding Children in Early Care and Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Authors

Dipti Dev, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Carly Hillburn, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Jordan Luxa, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Laura Lessard, University of Delaware
Katherine W. Bauer, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Caree Cotwright, University of Georgia
Alison Tovar, Brown University

ORCID IDs

Dipti A. Dev: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6250-0180

Jordan Luxa: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2920-9206

Laura Lessard: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7799-1584

Katherine W. Bauer: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3512-3994

Caree Cotwright: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5396-5998

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2022

Citation

Published in Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 54:10 (2022), pp. 925−938.

doi:10.1016/j.jneb.2022.07.005

Comments

Copyright © 2022 Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior. Published by Elsevier Inc. Used by permission

Abstract

Objective: To capture Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) state directors’ experiences implementing federal waivers for feeding children in early care and education (ECE) settings during coronavirus disease 2019.

Design: Qualitative semistructured interviews.

Setting: Virtual interviews with state CACFP directors.

Participants: Child and Adult Care Food Program directors from 21 states from December 2020 to May 2021.

Phenomenon of Interest: Implementation of state-level waivers.

Analysis: Qualitative thematic analysis.

Results: State directors reported that the coronavirus disease 2019 waivers allowed ECE programs to continue feeding children despite being closed or having limited enrollment. The meal pattern, noncongregate feeding, parent/guardian meal pick-up, and monitoring waivers were most frequently used by states. Challenges included maintaining integrity to CACFP meal pattern requirements, addressing the limited capacity of ECE to produce and distribute noncongregate meals, and adapting technology for virtual reviews. Suggested improvements included streamlined communication from the US Department of Agriculture, standing waivers for emergencies, ongoing flexibilities for feeding children, and strategies to increase CACFP enrollment and reduce financial viability requirements for ECE.

Conclusions and Implications: Results indicate the need for the US Department of Agriculture to consider issuing and extending waivers, increasing ECE participation in CACFP, and ensuring timely communication and guidance on waiver tracking