The Home-Farm-School Connection

For the next few weeks my blog entries will explore ways to take action and connect children to the farmers who grow our food. It is my hope that you will join in and share your stories and experiences with me. Below is the model that I have shared with educators and farmers that has grown out of the work I have done as a chef educator. I have always believed in the power of the grass roots movement. What do you think might happen if every preschool hung up a sign that said “Farmer Wanted” and every farmer at a farmers market hung up a sign that said “Preschool Wanted”? Together we could change the way our children eat!

What does this model give to children?

• Gives the life skill of nutrient-dense eating to help children live healthier lives.

• Teaches seasonal eating.

• Creates food and taste memories: local is fresher, has a longer time to ripen & just tastes better.

• Learning of regional foods traditions.

• Using Socially Responsible Produce Vendors, Farmers Markets, CSA & Farm Stands connects all of us to the people who grow our food. It puts a face on our food.

• Firsthand knowledge of our food creates powerful links to the farmers and their families, and gives us wonderful stories to tell.