Bringing Farm Fresh Foods to Kids

By Scout Nelson

The Kansas Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, is launching a program to improve children's nutrition by introducing them to specialty crops. Through the "Our Earliest Eaters" initiative, licensed early child care facilities in Kansas will receive educational resources and financial support to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables. This initiative is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

Developing healthy eating habits from an early age is essential for both physical and cognitive growth. Many young children consume a significant portion of their daily calories at child care centers, making these facilities an ideal setting for nutrition-focused learning. Teaching children about fresh foods and engaging them in hands-on activities can encourage them to try new fruits and vegetables while fostering lifelong healthy eating habits.

The program provides an agriculture-based curriculum designed for young learners. The Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom has developed lessons for all four growing seasons, incorporating posters, books, lesson cards, and child-friendly cooking tools. Each lesson highlights a Kansas specialty crop, allowing children to see, touch, and taste fresh produce while learning basic food preparation skills. These experiences help children connect with their food sources and encourage them to explore healthy options.

Selected child care facilities will receive up to $250 per growing season to buy locally sourced fruits and vegetables. The Kansas Department of Agriculture will assist in connecting these centers with local farmers and producers. The goal is to build strong, long-term purchasing relationships that benefit both early child care centers and the agricultural community.

This program is open to licensed early child care centers in Kansas. Participants must commit to teaching the curriculum, documenting lessons, and reporting food purchases and participation numbers. Applications are competitive, and 50 facilities will be selected.

Interested centers must apply by 5:00 p.m. CT on February 28, 2025. More details and the application link can be found on the Kansas Department of Agriculture's website.

Photo Credit: shutterstock-alex-brylov