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

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