Farm to Early Childhood Programs Guide Published

Published on June 12, 2015, the Farm to Early Childhood Programs: Step-by-Step Guide from CRFS provides tools and resources to help early childhood program providers of all types and sizes purchase and use local foods in their meals and snacks.

The Farm to Early Childhood Programs guide was published on June 12, 2015.

Published on June 12, 2015, the Farm to Early Childhood Programs: Step-by-Step Guide from CRFS provides tools and resources to help early childhood program providers of all types and sizes purchase and use local foods in their meals and snacks. 

This step-by-step guide helps to direct programs through the steps for purchasing Michigan foods and developing lasting Farm to Early Childhood Programs at their sites. By helping these programs begin or expand in their purchasing from local sources, this guide also supports the growth and development of strong community-based food systems.  “Farm to early childhood is an exciting, expanding arena in farm to school, both in Michigan and nationally,” noted Colleen Matts, Farm to Institution Specialist with CRFS. “We expect that this guide will help build awareness of this opportunity while aiding early childhood program staff in linking the youngest of children, especially vulnerable children, to local, good food.”

Part of Michigan Farm to School, Farm to Early Childhood is one of the ways institutions,  farmers and food suppliers are supporting the goals of the Michigan Good Food Charter. This work particularly targets  Goal 1: Michigan institutions will source 20% from local growers, producers, and processors by the year 2020, which is also the focus of the new Michigan Farm to Institution Network.

The guide was authored by Jekeia Murphy, Education and Curriculum Consultant, and Julia Smith and Colleen Matts from the MSU Center for Regional Food Systems.

Funding for this guide was provided by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

 

For more information and resources about Michigan Farm to School please visit www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu. To learn more about the Michigan Farm to Institution Network and its local food purchasing campaign, Cultivate Michigan, visit www.mifarmtoinstitution.org and www.cultivatemichigan.org.

 

National Farm to School Network website: www.farmtoschool.org

National Farm to School Network’s Farm to Preschool website: www.farmtopreschool.org

USDA Farm to Childcare: www.fns.usda.gov/farmtoschool/farm-child-care

Farm to Early Childhood Programs: Step-by-Step Guide

Did you find this article useful?


Detroit Urban Farmer Feedback Session Seedling Strategy Creating Tools to Cultivate Agency Awareness

Register Now

You Might Also Be Interested In

Tag List
  • michigan good food

Michigan Good Food

Center for Regional Food Systems

Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).