Farm to Early Care and Education program

The Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE) program is a nutrition education program that aims to give children the opportunity to learn about healthy, local foods through gardening, cooking activities, taste tests, meals and snacks, and nutrition lessons. Farm to ECE is different from other nutrition education curricula because it teaches children where local fruits and vegetables come from and how they’re grown. When children help to grow or prepare fruits and vegetables for meals and snacks, they’re more willing to try them!

The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment (WCDPHE), in collaboration with community partners, initiated the Farm to ECE program in 2023. In addition to providing nutrition education curriculum, the program offers raised garden beds with prepared soil, plants, and seeds to selected child care providers. Gardening education and coaching is provided to providers by a Master Gardener to empower child care providers to engage the children in their care with hands on gardening activities.  

Currently accepting applications for 2024

Interested child care centers and family homes should submit this application, along with the signed Farm to ECE commitment by Feb. 9, 2024. Selected applicants will be notified by Feb. 20, 2024.  

Child care centers and family homes are encouraged to apply. Selected child care providers will receive a raised garden bed with prepared soil installed at your child care center or child care family home. In addition, selected centers or homes will be provided with seeds, plants, and nutrition education curriculum (Grow It, Try It, Like It) to teach children about how foods are grown, harvested, and prepared. Education from a CSU Extension Master Gardener will be provided throughout the growing season.   

If you would like more information, please contact Mike Schwan, MS, RD, at (970) 400-2343 or mschwan@weldgov.com.

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