Overview

The Feeding Kids in Care project provided opportunities for faculty and students to collaborate on research examining the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) in settings that serve children. It examined program operations and administration and the benefits of CACFP participation of young children and early-care and education professionals. Additionally, the project produced results that were both scientifically rigorous and useful to practice and policy. Feeding Kids in Care provided members with a space for sharing ideas, knowledge, and feedback, which aided in the production of peer-reviewed publications, research briefs, and applications for external funding. Through an interdisciplinary team, the project allowed members to conduct larger and more complex projects than they could have working individually.

Research Team

  • Barbara Fiese, Ph.D., Former Director, Family Resiliency Center, Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  • Rachel A. Gordon, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Research and Administration, College of Health and Human Sciences, Northern Illinois University
  • Brenda Koester, MS, Associate Director, Center for Social & Behavioral Science
  • Elizabeth T. Powers, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Institute of Government and Public Affairs, Department of Economics, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  • Katherine E. Speirs, Ph.D., Associate Extension Specialist and Assistant Professor, University of Arizona

Collaborating Units

  • Family Resiliency Center
  • University of Illinois System
  • Institute of Government & Public Affairs

Contact:
Brenda Koester
217.244.6486
bkoester@illinois.edu

Citation

Speirs, K. E., Gordon, R. A., Powers, E. T., Koester, B. D., & Fiese, B. H. (2020). Licensed family child care providers’ participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP): Greater benefits and fewer burdens in highly urban areas?. Early Education and Development, 31(2), 153-176.

Additional Resource

Child Care Food Subsidies: Who Participates and Why

Funding

This project is supported by the Family Resiliency Center and the Institute of Government and Public Affairs.