✨ FYI

Head Start Promotes Farm to ECE: June 2025 Small Bites Newsletter Dedicated to Farm to ECE

Emia Oppenheim
Emia Oppenheim
   
Planting Seeds for Health and Learning: Farm to Early Care and Education
Have you ever heard about “farm to early care and education,” “farm to preschool,” or “farm to child care” and wanted to learn more? These exciting activities promote healthy eating while making community partnerships stronger. This edition of Small Bites explores what farm to early care and education (ECE) is, why it’s important, and how your program can start its own initiative.

About Farm to ECE
Farm to ECE strategies and activities for early childhood environments focus on:

1. Using local food — buying or using locally sourced foods in meals and snacks
2. Gardening — offering hands-on opportunities for growing and caring for plants
3. Food, nutrition, and agriculture education — teaching about healthy foods, where food comes from, and how it grows

These strategies fit with many Head Start programs’ goals and priorities. They can promote learning, family engagement, and lifelong wellness for children, families, and staff. Farm to ECE activities include our youngest learners and work in all Head Start program options.   

Benefits of Farm to ECE 
The early years are an important time for forming taste preferences and building healthy eating habits. Farm to ECE offers several benefits, including:
  • Healthier eating habits — Farm to ECE encourages healthy eating habits by giving children fresh, locally sourced foods. Children are more likely to try foods they have helped grow, clean, or prepare. It’s a great way to encourage them to eat more nutritious foods. 
  •  Stronger communities — Buying local food supports farmers and makes your community food system stronger. It also gives families and staff information about where to get local food in their community. Buying locally often creates a sense of belonging, especially for familiar or traditional foods that are part of children’s cultures.  
  •  Mental wellness — Gardening can increase pride, self-confidence, and a sense of accomplishment. Garden spaces can also reduce stress, improve focus, provide teaching opportunities, build social connections, and support emotional regulation for children and staff.
Practical Ways to Start Farm to ECE in Your Program

Many Head Start programs already use farm to ECE strategies without realizing it. Here are some tips to build your farm to ECE program:  
  • Use state resources to learn more about farm to ECE and how it fits with your program’s goals. Find tools and guidance for finding activities that fit into your program activities.  
  • Connect with Master Gardener programs, cooperative extensions at universities, and local farmer associations for expert advice and support. 
  •  Start small and build slowly. Choose one or two activities. For example, start with small container gardens or introduce locally grown fruits and vegetables with meals. 
  •  Create a pollinator garden where children can experience nature, practice mindfulness, and regulate their emotions. 
  •  Include age-appropriate garden activities, from infant sensory exploration to preschool projects.