Early Care Providers
Why Farm to Kids Matters in Early Care
Supports healthy eating habits: Children in Farm to Early Care programs are more willing to try new foods, eat more fruits and vegetables, and enjoy a wider variety of healthy options.
Builds lifelong connections to food: Early childhood is a key time for developing taste preferences, and hands on learning helps kids understand where their food comes from.
Strengthens farmers and local markets: Early care programs create reliable sales opportunities for farmers and can serve as a steppingstone to other wholesale markets.
Boosts local communities: Farm to Early Care builds strong community relationships and keeps dollars local, generating economic activity that supports jobs and businesses.
What Resources Can I use?
Farm to School and Early Care Programs
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture offers grants to help local schools and childcare centers buy and serve fresh, Minnesota-grown food.
pint size PRODUCE - Renewing the Countryside
Easy to use Farm to Early Care activities.
Cooking with your children: Rusty's Cooking Club | UMN Extension
Nutrition education and cooking curriculum designed to build food skills and confidence in children.
Want to Learn More About Farm to Early Care?
Farm to School and Early Care: Info for Schools and Early Cares | Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Overview of Farm to School and Early Care programs, benefits, and how schools and early care sites can get started.
CACFP Farm and Early Care Report January 2024
January 2024 report on Farm to Early Care efforts within CACFP.
