We are a statewide policy and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the health and well being of low income Californians by increasing their access to nutritious, affordable food.

Improving Child Care Nutrition

AB 1872 icon

AB 1872 (Alejo) proposes amending licensing laws by requiring family day care home providers to comply with the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) meal pattern, whether they are enrolled in the program or not, and by requiring licensing authorities to inform all licensed child care providers about CACFP, including information about eligibility, enrollment, and reimbursement procedures. 

CFPA Primary Contacts

Ellen Braff-Guajardo
Senior Nutrition Policy Advocate
Oakland Office
510.301.0824
ellen@cfpa.net

Elyse Homel Vitale
Nutrition Policy Advocate
Oakland Office
858.449.3597
elyse@cfpa.net

Child Care Nutrition Resources

For more on Child Care Nutrition, visit
CFPA's Child Care Nutrition page.

AB 1872 (Alejo): Improving Child Care Nutrition

Most people are surprised to learn that licensed family day care homes are not legally obligated to follow any nutrition standards for the meals and snacks they serve. By contrast, licensed child care centers must follow the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) meal pattern. To close this nutrition gap, AB 1872, authored by Assembly Member Luis Alejo (D-Salinas), would require, as a condition of licensure, that family day care homes also comply with the CACFP meal pattern. In addition, AB 1872 would oblige licensing authorities to inform all child care providers about how to participate in CACFP, a federal nutrition program that provides reimbursements to help cover the cost of meals and snacks.

Updates & News

Advocacy Materials

  • Sample Letter of Support

    Personalize this sample letter of support to show the Governor why AB 1872 is needed and valuable legislation! doc

  • Sample Call-in Script

    Use these instructions and sample script to call the Governor’s office and show your support for AB 1872. PDF

  • Postcard Template

    Tell your coworkers, friends, family, and everyone else you know to print, sign, and mail the Governor this postcard in support of AB 1872. PDF

  • CFPA's Letters of Support

    CFPA’s Letter of Support sent to Governor Brown PDF

    CFPA’s Letter of Support sent to the Senate PDF

    CFPA’s Letter of Support sent to the Assembly PDF

Supporting Documents

Useful Background Materials

  • California Legislation Related to Child Care Nutrition

    AB 2084 (2010) link

  • Additional Background Materials

    CACFP meal pattern chart link

    CACFP eligibility for child care centers and homes link

    CACFP reimbursement rates for child care centers and homes in California link

    Child Care in California, data from the California Resource & Referral Network PDF

    NRC’s Achieving a State of Healthy Weight: 2011 Update PDF

  • Relevant Media

    Nutrition and Physical Activity Environments in Licensed Child Care: A Statewide Assessment of California. CFPA, Samuel & Associates, Center for Weight & Health, March 2009 PDF

    A Statewide Analysis of the Child and Adult Care Food Program and Family Child Care Providers in Oregon. Oregon Child Development Coalition, 2007 PDF

    Promoting Quality in Family Child Care. US General Accounting Office, Dec 1994 PDF

Page last updated 10.4.2012