National Farm to School Month in October provides an excellent opportunity for childcare centers and in-home providers to embrace farm-based activities and nutrition education. This celebration has a significant impact on children’s health and learning experiences.
The primary goals of Farm to School programs in early childhood settings are to serve locally-grown, healthy foods to young children, provide nutrition education, and improve child nutrition. These initiatives create a reliable market for local food producers while introducing children to the origins of their food. By incorporating local food and agricultural education into the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), childcare providers can promote a healthier environment for children.
Adapting Farm to School for Childcare
Farm to school initiatives can be effectively adapted for childcare centers and in-home providers, offering young children unique opportunities to learn about agriculture, nutrition, and sustainability. These programs aim to enhance the quality of early care and education settings while supporting comprehensive child development and meeting learning standards.
Theme-based activities
Integrating farm themes into various learning areas can make the experience more engaging for young children. For instance, childcare centers can set up a pretend farm stand in the dramatic play area, complete with toy fruits and vegetables, shopping baskets, and play money. This activity not only teaches children about farm produce but also helps develop math and social skills.
Sensory exploration
Sensory play is crucial for early childhood development, and farm-themed activities offer numerous opportunities for sensory exploration. Child care providers can create sensory bins filled with materials like dried corn kernels, hay, or soil, along with farm animal figurines. This hands-on experience allows children to explore different textures while learning about farm environments.
By adapting farm to school concepts for younger children, can create engaging learning experiences that support various developmental areas. These activities not only educate children about agriculture and nutrition but also foster a connection to the local food system from an early age.
Starting Your Childcare Garden
Discover how any childcare center and in-home family provider can start a vibrant garden, no matter the space. Learn to connect children with the origins of their food through fun, hands-on activities. Plant the seeds of healthy eating and love for nature in this inspiring session.
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Favorite CACFP Recipes that celebrate Farm to School Month
To make Farm to School Month more engaging, childcare providers can incorporate locally sourced ingredients into their menus. The Lunch Box, a resource for schools and childcare centers, offers 65 new Farm to School recipes that credit towards the USDA meal pattern. These recipes have been created and tested in school kitchens and are approved by students. They can be scaled for any number of servings, making them ideal for various childcare settings.
Some popular CACFP-compliant recipes that celebrate Farm to School Month include:
- Roasted vegetables with local produce
- Kale and apple salad using locally grown apples
- Squash soup featuring farm-fresh winter squash
Here are more recipes >
These recipes not only introduce children to new flavors but also help them connect with the local food system. By incorporating these dishes into their menus, childcare centers and in-home providers can create fun farm daycare experiences that educate and nourish young children.
Conclusion
Farm to School Month in October sheds light on the vital connection between farms and education, particularly in child care settings. The integration of farm-based activities and locally-sourced foods into early childhood programs has a significant impact on children’s health and learning experiences. This approach not only promotes healthier eating habits but also fosters a deeper understanding of agriculture and sustainability from a young age.
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