The following resources are a small sampling of the materials and curriculums available for Farm to Preschool, and Farm to Early Childhood.
An Ecosystem Assessment
The Farm to Early Childhood in New England (FINE) and the New England Farm to Early Childhood Project Steering Committee are excited to announce the publication of “Farm to Early Childhood in New England: an Ecosystem Assessment.” This illustrated and interactive overview of the farm to early childhood space across the six New England states was designed to help regional interest holders better understand the early childhood sector and to identify the key opportunities for expanding farm to early childhood activity across the six New England states.
This assessment is part of the Northeast Farm to Early Childhood Project, a two-year collaborative effort of Farm to Institution New England and the Northeast Farm to School Collaborative. The project is funded by a USDA Farm to School Grant.
Finding Local Produce
Finding local produce to add to your menu doesn't have to be hard! Check out the resources below for helpful tools in procuring local food.
- A Checklist for Purchasing Local Produce - Iowa State University, University Extension, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture
- Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE) Local Food Purchasing Guide - NC State Extension
- Local Food For Little Eaters - Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems
- Local Procurement for Child Care Centers - National Farm to School Network
- Local Purchasing for Family Child Care Providers - National Farm to School Network
- Sample 3 week Cycle Menu - Go NAPSACC: Tips and Materials
- Handling Fresh Produce in Classrooms - USDA Food and Nutrition Service
Other Organization Resources
- Grow it, Try it, Like it - U.S. Department of Agriculture's Team Nutrition
- Eat Play Grow - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- Extensive Summary of resources for funding, Feb. '22 -Enhancing Young Children’s Access to Local Foods and Farm to ECE: Federal Funding Opportunities
- Table Talk -Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy
- Farm Field Trips - Ecotrust - Farm to Preschool
- Harvest of the Month - Urban and Environmental Policy Institute, Occidental College, Farm to Preschool Program
- Curriculum - Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy - Farm to Childcare