Farm to Early Care and Education Programming: A Descriptive Study of Challenges and Opportunities to Promote Healthful Foods to Young Children.

Morgan L Mccloskey,Hannah Kesterson,Jennifer Dellaport,Laura L Bellows,Noereem Z Mena

doi:10.3390/ijerph17186857

Abstract

Interest in farm to early care and education (ECE) programming, which consists of gardening, nutrition education, and local food procurement, has been growing in the United States, as it may be a promising technique for promoting healthful foods to young children. However, there is limited information about current farm to ECE efforts in specific states, including Colorado, to support funding and resource needs. An online survey was distributed to licensed Colorado ECE providers in two phases to understand current participation in the farm to ECE as well as provider perspectives on benefits and barriers to programming. A total of 250 surveys were completed. Approximately 60% of ECE facilities participated in gardening and nutrition education with providers almost unanimously agreeing on the child-centric benefits of programming. Fewer facilities (37%) participated in local food procurement likely due to significant time, cost, and knowledge barriers. To increase participation in farm to ECE as a technique for promoting healthful foods to young children, future efforts should focus on innovative solutions to reduce ECE-specific barriers.

Highlights

Farm to institution initiatives, which consist of partnerships where local producers sell to nearby institutions, have emerged as an opportunity to both promote community health and well-being, and support local economies and agriculture
Similar to national surveys [23], providers echoed many of the proposed benefits of farm to early care and education (ECE) programming found in the literature, including the food promotion techniques of experiential learning, multiple opportunities for trying new items, and approaching learning about healthy foods in a fun and creative way
Providers are enthusiastic about farm-to-ECE programing, but need additional supports and creative solutions to fully implement all components

Summary

Introduction

Farm to institution initiatives, which consist of partnerships where local producers sell to nearby institutions, have emerged as an opportunity to both promote community health and well-being, and support local economies and agriculture. Farm to school programs have been rising in popularity due to the potential benefits of teaching children the origin of the food they eat and promoting fresh, healthy items to youth. In the USA, 42% of school districts participate in farm to school activities by engaging over 23 million students [2]. A recent systematic review examining the effectiveness of farm to school programs and activities reported that studies consistently show positive impacts on student food and nutrition-related knowledge. Most studies suggest a positive relationship between farm-to-school activities and healthy food selection during school meals, nutrition self-efficacy, and willingness to try fruits and vegetables [3]. The impact of farm-to-school activities on fruit and vegetable consumption and preference is unclear [3]

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Discussion

Conclusion