A Note from Cynthia Greene, Farm to Early Childhood Education Partnership Coordinator: I feel privileged to be working with extraordinary early educators who value farm to early childhood experiences as part of their high-quality, whole-family programming. Despite the pandemic, I’ve witnessed programs digging into farm to early childhood to bring meaningful learning to children, families, and staff. The joy and wonder of these explorations fills my heart, and I’m energized to continue working together to expand opportunities for all programs statewide! In Vermont, we’ve heard from early childhood providers: 91% of those polled are interested in implementing farm to early childhood programming, but only 21% have been able to access professional learning opportunities. Through our partnership work in Vermont and regionally, we’re working to bridge that gap: The Farm to Early Childhood Coalition has become an integral part of the Vermont Farm to School Network. Learn more on the new Network website. With support from the USDA, the Northeast Farm to School Collaborative and Farm to Institute New England (FINE) are expanding farm to early childhood efforts throughout the region, including forming a steering committee and leading early childhood educator communities of practice. Vermont FEED recently wrapped up our Farm to Early Childhood Workshop series supporting 32 early educators in connecting the 3Cs: Classroom, Community, and Cafeteria (or Kitchen!). Read on for more resources. And, if you're interested in learning more about this work, please reach out to me. P.S. Vermont Early Childhood Educators, stay tuned for an invitation to a “Farm to Early Childhood Educator Rejuvenation Retreat” to be hosted at Shelburne Farms on May 21, 2022. Hope we see you there!

Cynthia Greene Farm to Early Childhood Education Partnership Coordinator cgreene@shelburnefarms.org

Educator Jed Norris shares how early learning creates healthy lifelong habits (& a song for making butter!). Think back to a memory of food from your childhood. What did it taste like? What did it look and smell like? Who prepared it? When I ask adults these questions, many have an immediate, visceral response, whether it’s a fond memory…or a memory of something not so tasty. Early food associations are enduring, and they hold a lot of opportunity for early childhood educators to help set attitudes for life.

Incorporating local foods into your program may seem daunting, but the benefits will outweigh any challenges. We’re excited to announce our newest publication: the Vermont Farm to Early Childhood Local Purchasing Guide! Local food purchasing is an important component of a robust farm to early childhood program, but there is no one-size-fits-all way to do it. We created this guide to help you articulate your values, find local food throughout the year, and create a practical system for your program. Created in partnership with the Vermont Farm to School & Early Childhood Network.

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Vermont FEED is a farm to school partnership project of Shelburne Farms and NOFA-VT.

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