Catherine Perez, CACFP Director at Community Life Center Inc.

At a time when federal leaders are questioning whether child care and basic support for children should even be a priority, families and early childhood educators are already feeling the uncertainty. If federal funding is pushed toward priorities that do not include domestic social supports such as the Child and Adult Care Food Program, it would put essential programs that keep kids fed, healthy, and learning at risk.

Family child care homes in low-income areas are particularly vulnerable.  Cuts could lead to more low-quality meals, which can affect growth, cognitive development, and long-term health.

CACFP is more than just meal reimbursement – it is a critical support system for child care providers, a nutritional safety net for children, and a stabilizing force for families. Cutting this program would risk creating nutritional inequities and destabilizing small family child care businesses that are already operating on narrow margins.

ECE on the Move members are dynamic, motivated early childhood educators in residential settings who are doing impactful work in the field. Do you know an educator we should spotlight? Nominate them using this form.