WSDA Expanding Farm to School to Preschool and Child Care

The Washington State Department of Agriculture is working to establish healthy eating and food education at preschools and child care centers with Farm to Early Care and Education, or ECE.

Ele Watts said they have two goals.

“To expand market access for Washington farmers and in particular specialty crop farmers. Secondly, we want to encourage positive eating habits, food preferences, exploration of healthy, local foods for the youngest eaters in Washington.”

The program has activities and games that help kids learn about the food, and then teachers and families can introduce them and help them learn to enjoy healthier options.

Watts said it’s a big win-win with kids learning to eat healthier, but also providing opportunities for farmers who might be looking for new ways to supplement their income.

“We’re looking at child-care facilities that could serve hundreds of meals per day as these large institutional buyers that are a great market for Washington farmers who might be looking for some of those larger bulk accounts.”

You can reach out to the WSDA Regional Markets Team to get more information.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail krounce@cherrycreekradio.com.