Farm to ECE: Getting Started

What to know

Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE) increases children's access to fresh, healthy food. It also helps children learn more about food and gardening. Here are ways states and communities can get started.

Child smiling and holding a plant

State actions

Identify partnerships and coalitions that can advance Farm to ECE. Most states support Farm to ECE programs through state or local activities. The National Farm to School Network (NFSN) has a state list of supporting partner organizations. If your state does not have a Farm to ECE coalition, you can consider starting one. Start by reaching out to key partners, such as an existing Farm to School Coalition.

Build state capacity

Image of a framework describing a state's early care and education system. Access the PDF at https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/strategies/early-care-education/pdf/TheSpectrumofOpportunitiesFramework_May2018_508.pdf
Partnerships and equity are foundational in the Spectrum of Opportunities.

Community actions

Connect with state initiatives and coalitions. Start a local coalition if a state coalition does not exist.

Build local capacity

We are making a difference

CDC provides funding and technical assistance to states and communities to advance Farm to ECE. Learn more about the priority Public Health Strategies for ECE, CDC's state and local programs, and Farm to ECE success stories.