Learn more about farm to early care and education
Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE) can enhance your child care program’s quality, support children’s development, increase access to healthy foods, and create a healthier environment for children, families, and staff.
Our Eat, Learn, Grow materials guide you in incorporating Farm to ECE into your program!
Farm to ECE activities
Eat
Children’s taste and texture preferences are developing in the first few years. Seasonal local foods taste better, support local farmers and economies, and are better for the environment. Here are some tools to help you incorporate more seasonal and local foods:
Try a recipe from one of our Harvest of the Month cookbooks
Join the Eat, Learn, Grow Georgia network to access our seasonal cycle menus
Use this resource guide to find a local farm or farmers market
Learn
Nutrition and agriculture education can include classroom lessons, cooking activities, field trips to farms, and reading books about food.
Our Harvest of the Month resources include a storybook, book lists, and monthly lesson plans that integrate nutrition education with math, science, literacy, sensory, exploration, gross motor skills, and other learnings!
Grow
Gardening with children “plants the seed” for healthy eating habits!
Gardens can be large or small, and may include garden pots, five-gallon buckets, raised beds, indoor hydroponic garden systems, or food-safe re-purposed containers. The Getting Started: Farm to ECE guide can help you plan your teaching garden.
Are you looking to start or grow your Farm to ECE program? Eat, Learn, Grow Georgia is Georgia’s Farm to ECE provider network, powered by Quality Care for Children. Join for free and gain access to more resources and networking opportunities! Also, be sure to check out our Wellness Grants page for current grant opportunities and a provider interest form.
“QCC’s nutrition program consultants are readily available and willing to help me succeed. Additionally, whenever they visit, they are always willing to answer questions, offer advice, and provide useful insights and resources.”
Join the movement
Sign up or reach out to learn more.