Some early learning programs won’t be able to incorporate every piece of farm to ECE, but even one activity can make an impact. Deciding which pieces to incorporate depends on your resources and priorities. For those who plan on creating a larger farm to ECE program, introducing one piece at a time may be more realistic and sustainable.
Starting farm to ECE can be done at no or very low cost with simple activities such as reading a food-related book at story time, singing songs, doing a taste test with a low cost produce item such as a carrot, watching a video of a farmer, and sprouting seeds in the classroom. Take a look at the curricula and activities linked on the gardening and food, nutrition, and agriculture education pages for more ideas.
by Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems
resources on WSDA’s Farm to School Toolkit
This worksheet will help you plan your farm to ECE program step-by-step
Also available in Spanish
Farm to ECE resources, curriculum and activities, research and literature, webinars, and newsletters
Resource list created by the National Farm to School Network includes sample wellness policies and resources for creating wellness policies
Learn more about Farm Raisers with examples that emphasize a direct connection with farms and schools
NFSN and ASPHN’s self-assessment designed to help ECE providers assess their current farm to ECE practices and develop goals and action plans to help grow farm to ECE at their site. Available in both English and Spanish.
Tips for acquiring funds for your program through grants, donations, and special events. Some information can be applied to ECE
The SPARK Grant Finder Tool helps you locate funding for your program. Grants can be used for curriculum, teacher training, or equipment
