CACFP Resources Farm To CACFP Data

California Farm to CACFP Data

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Branch collects data to better understand Farm to CACFP activities across California. The findings inform CDSS efforts to provide resources, training, technical assistance, and other support to strengthen Farm to CACFP across California.

In 2025, CDSS collected data from CACFP operators and family child care providers to establish baseline data on participation in the three elements of Farm to CACFP:

  1. Purchasing local foods
  2. Providing nutrition and agriculture-based education
  3. Providing hands-on learning in an edible garden

The findings are helping inform CDSS’ efforts to provide resources, training, technical assistance, and other support to strengthen Farm to CACFP across California.

Data Collection

CDSS conducted two complementary statewide data collection efforts in 2025:

  • The California Farm to CACFP Census for CACFP Operators (Census), and
  • The California Farm to CACFP Survey for Family Child Care Providers (FCC Survey).

Together, the Census and FCC Survey provide a broader picture of Farm to CACFP activities, barriers, and resource needs across different CACFP settings.

Census

In spring 2025, CDSS conducted the first California Farm to CACFP Census for child care centers, at-risk afterschool programs, adult day care centers, emergency shelters, and day care home (DCH) sponsors. Approximately 38 percent of CACFP operators responded to the Census (504 of 1310) and 49 percent of DCH sponsors (21 of 43) completed the Census.

FCC Survey

In summer 2025, CDSS conducted the first California Farm to CACFP Survey for FCC providers to gather additional information about Farm to CACFP activities, barriers and resource needs. Approximately 26 percent of FCC providers (3,112 out of 11,791) responded to the survey.

What We Learned

The Census and FCC Survey established baseline data and provided valuable insight into Farm to CACFP participation, barriers, resource needs, and opportunities to support Farm to CACFP efforts across California.

Participation

Results provide a baseline for understanding participation in the three elements of Farm to CACFP among centers and FCC providers.

Bar chart titled "Farm to CACFP Practices: Centers vs. Family Child Care Homes." The chart compares the percentage of centers and family child care home providers implementing three Farm to CACFP practices: purchasing local foods, providing nutrition and agriculture-based education, and engaging in edible gardening. Family child care home providers reported higher participation across all three practices, with 73% purchasing local foods, 89% providing nutrition and agriculture-based education, and 60% engaging in edible gardening. Centers reported 42%, 40%, and 45%, respectively.

The findings show that Farm to CACFP activities are already taking place in centers and FCC homes across California. Centers and FCC providers reported participation in local food purchasing, nutrition and agriculture-based education, and edible gardening. These baseline findings provide CDSS with a clearer picture of current Farm to CACFP participation and can be used to understand changes and progress over time.

Reports and Infographics

CDSS is developing reports and infographics to share findings from the Census and FCC Survey. These resources will provide more details about Farm to CACFP participation including barriers, resource needs, and opportunities to strengthen Farm to CACFP efforts.

Reports and infographics will be posted on this webpage as they become available.

Please check back for new resources and updates.

How CDSS is Using the Data

Findings from the Census and FCC Survey are helping guide CDSS efforts to strengthen Farm to CACFP and respond to the needs of CACFP operators and providers.

CDSS efforts include:
  • Providing Farm to CACFP training and technical assistance—Offering hands-on Farm to CACFP Basics Workshops that provide CACFP operators with practical strategies, tools, and resources to implement and sustain Farm to CACFP activities.
  • Developing and sharing practical resources and tools—Connecting CACFP operators and providers with resources that support local food purchasing, educational activities, edible gardening, family engagement, and other Farm to CACFP activities.
  • Strengthening partnerships and connections—Collaborating with state and community partners to help connect CACFP operators and providers with local farmers, community organizations, and successful peers that can support their Farm to CACFP efforts.
  • Using data to guide future support—Continuing to use the Census and FCC Survey findings to identify priorities and inform future Farm to CACFP resources, training, technical assistance, and support.

Contact Us

For questions about Farm to CACFP, contact the CDSS Farm to CACFP Team at Farm2CACFP@dss.ca.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Esta institución es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.

Child and Adult Care Food Program Logo, hands holding a heart shaped apple

Contact Us

For questions about Farm to CACFP, contact the CDSS Team by email at Farm2CACFP@dss.ca.gov.
For questions regarding the California Farm to School (F2S) Network, contact Nick Anicich, F2S Lead, California Department of Food and Agriculture, Office of Farm to Fork, by email at  cafarmtoschool@cdfa.ca.gov.


Quick Links

Farm to CACFP Initiative

Preschools SHINE Program

CACFP


Last updated: July 2025