Farm to early care and education (farm to ECE) offers increased access to the same three core elements of local food sourcing, school gardens and food and agriculture education to enhance the quality of the educational experience in all types of ECE settings (e.g., preschools, child care centers, family child care homes, Head Start/Early Head Start, programs in K - 12 school districts). Farm to ECE offers benefits that parallel the goals and priorities of the early care and education community including emphasis on experiential learning opportunities, parent and community engagement and life-long health and wellness for children, families and caregivers.
What is Farm to Early Care and Education?
Funded by Nemours HKHF Technical Assistance Program, MCD Global Health’s Healthy Kids Healthy Future (HKHF) team launched Maine’s Farm to Early Care and Education Network in 2021. HKHF Maine is committed to supporting partners and early care and education (ECE) providers to create healthier environments for children.