Resources

Connecting Farm to Early Care and Education Standards, Guidance, and Resources

Published on June 4, 2025
This resource aims to aid in the documentation process for Early Care and Education (ECE) providers in Michigan by cross-walking the Michigan Early Learning Guidelines with examples and standards from other learning frameworks.
10 Cents a Meal for Michigan's Kids and Farms 2023-2024 Legislative Report

Published on April 24, 2025
Every year, the Michigan Department of Education submits a report to the state legislature about 10 Cents a Meal, to which 10 Cents a Meal partners contribute. This report shares information about the impacts of the 10 Cents a Meal program in 2023-2024.
Michigan Crunch Guide for Early Care and Education

Published on August 22, 2024
The Great Lakes Great Apple Crunch encourages healthy eating and supports farm to school and other local food purchasing initiatives throughout the region.
Michigan Crunch Guide for K-12 Schools

Published on August 22, 2024
The Great Lakes Great Apple Crunch encourages healthy eating and supports farm to school and other local food purchasing initiatives throughout the region.
Michigan Crunch Guide

Published on August 22, 2024
The Great Lakes Great Apple Crunch encourages healthy eating and supports farm to school and other local food purchasing initiatives throughout the region.
Homegrown in the Aisles: Shopping Local at Your Grocery Store

Published on June 3, 2024
Purchasing local food for early care education providers can be as simple as going to the grocery store with these tips.
Farm to School Local Food Purchasing Incentives: An Introduction to Incentives

Published on May 29, 2024
Learn the basics of Local Food Purchasing Incentives (LFPIs) that provide additional funding to child nutrition programs or incentivize local food purchases.
Farm to School Local Food Purchasing Incentives: The Benefits of Local Food Purchasing Incentives

Published on May 29, 2024
Local Food Purchasing Incentive programs can be an effective policy tool to increase educational experiences for children, support local farmers, and nourish communities, making them a vital catalyst in the ongoing success of the farm to school movement.
Farm to School Local Food Purchasing Incentives: Program Development Considerations and Team Planning Guide

Published on May 29, 2024
The purpose of this resource is to provide Local Food Purchasing Incentive program designers and stakeholders with essential questions to create programs, or modify elements of existing programs.
Farm to School Local Food Purchasing Incentives: Program Administration

Published on May 29, 2024
This resource illustrates various aspects of Local Food Purchasing Incentive (LFPI) administration, showcases examples of collaboration, and addresses common challenges faced by administrators.
Farm to School Local Food Purchasing Incentives: An Introduction to State-Level Policies to Support Farm to School Local Food Purchasing Since 2020

Published on May 29, 2024
State-level policies play a pivotal role in bolstering local food purchasing within educational institutions, primarily K–12 school and early care and education (ECE) settings.
Expanded Local Food Purchasing Incentives: Programs that Reimburse More Than Local Food

Published on May 29, 2024
A key distinguishing factor among Local Food Purchasing Incentives is their focus on incentivizing specific types of foods or nonfood products, a decision that significantly impacts various agricultural sectors and the overall accessibility of the program.
Farm to School Local Food Purchasing Incentives: Incorporating Additional Values

Published on May 29, 2024
As interest continues to rise in local food purchasing incentive (LFPI) policies, the conversations around them are expanding beyond prioritizing purchases based simply on whether they are “local” foods.
Farm to School Local Food Purchasing Incentives: What if States Funded Farmers to sell to Schools?

Published on May 29, 2024
This resource considers alternative ways that policymakers can directly subsidize local farmers, food hubs, and other producers to increase their sales to K–12 schools and early care and educational (ECE) settings.
The Farmer in the Dell: Connecting with a Local Grower

Published on May 17, 2024
Connect your ECE site to local growers using these tips, strategies, and resources to increase access to nutrient-dense, local foods.
10 Cents a Meal for Michigan's Kids and Farms 2022-2023 Legislative Report

Published on March 6, 2024
Every year, the Michigan Department of Education submits a report to the state legislature about 10 Cents a Meal, to which 10 Cents a Meal partners contribute. This report shares information about the impacts of the 10 Cents a Meal program in 2022-2023.
Grow More MI Snip and Grow Activity Page

Published on January 29, 2024
A downloadable cutting activity page of fruits and veggies in Michigan for the Grow More MI initiative, a part of the Michigan Farm to Early Care and Education project at the Center for Regional Food Systems.
Grow More MI Fruits & Veggies of Michigan Map Coloring Page

Published on January 29, 2024
A downloadable coloring page of fruits and veggies in Michigan for the Grow More MI initiative, a part of the Michigan Farm to Early Care and Education project at the Center for Regional Food Systems.
Chillin’ With Fruits & Veggies

Published on January 29, 2024
Chillin’ With Fruits & Veggies is a simple guide for freezing and preserving Michigan produce for early care and education providers.
Grow More MI Harvest Match-Up Activity Page

Published on January 29, 2024
A downloadable matching activity page of fruits and veggies in Michigan for the Grow More MI initiative, a part of the Michigan Farm to Early Care and Education project at the Center for Regional Food Systems.