In Colorado, one organization is connecting children with fresh, locally grown food in early care and education environments. Farm to Child, led by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), focuses on three powerful pillars: local food purchasing, gardening, and education.
What is Farm to Child?
Farm to Child is the community's connection to fresh and healthy food. By integrating fresh, seasonal produce into meals, engaging children in hands-on gardening, and offering educational activities around agriculture and nutrition, the program fosters a deeper connection between young children and the food they eat.
There are different phrases used when talking about this program: Farm to Child, Farm to School, Farm to Preschool, and Farm to Early Care and Education. Each of these terms convey the same concept but pertain to different settings. By focusing specifically on young children in educational environments, Farm to Child is supporting a critical window for shaping lifelong eating habits and values.
Core Elements of Farm to Child
- Local Food Purchasing
Those participating in Farm to Child prioritize buying and serving locally grown foods. This not only boosts nutrition—especially in fruits and vegetables—but also strengthens Colorado’s agricultural economy and supports the community. - Gardening
Children are contributing to the growing process, learning how food grows from seed to harvest. These green spaces serve as classrooms, encouraging curiosity, responsibility, and a willingness to try new foods. - Education
Self-reliance, community, and STEM concepts are all impactful parts of Farm to Child’s education pillar. There has been positive impact shown in three areas: child engagement and development, academic achievement, and family, educator, and staff engagement.
Why It Matters
Research shows that meals featuring local foods are more nutritious than those from non-local sources. Gardens and food education also increase children’s willingness to try new fruits and vegetables, improve academic engagement, and promote environmental stewardship.
Moreover, Farm to Child empowers families to make informed food choices and builds stronger, more resilient communities. It’s a mutually beneficial program for children, caregivers, farmers, and the community.
Tools and Resources
CDPHE offers a wealth of resources to support Farm to Child implementation, including:
- Farm to Child Roadmap: A strategic guide for ECE providers, farmers, and partner organizations.
- Harvest of the Month Newsletter: Harvest of the Month monthly newsletters - Google Docs.
- Success Story Videos: Real-life examples from across Colorado, available in English and Spanish.
- Educational Videos: 20 on Tuesdays and Quick Bite videos provide educational tools and trainings.
- Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): Community members pay an annual fee for farm production costs and farmers provide a weekly share of fresh produce in return.
Whether you're a caregiver, educator, farmer, or member of the community, there’s a role for you in Farm to Child. Visit the Farm to Child website to explore resources, watch success stories, and learn how to bring Farm to Child to your community.
