WHO WE ARE
Our newly formed Ohio Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE) Coalition seeks to support processes that get more nutritious, local foods to young children in early care settings, while supporting more local farmers. We especially want to increase opportunities for children of color and farmers from underrepresented populations, and we recognize that we need more voices at our table to do this well.
The coalition includes representation from state agencies, non-profits, local health departments, and Ohio State University Extension. We are seeking representation from around the state.
OUR VISION
Equity will be achieved when all children 0-5 have access to healthy and nutritious food in their childcare settings and at home and this is not disproportionately determined by race, income level, education level and knowledge about nutritious food and how to prepare food, childcare type, or home address in the state of Ohio.
MEETING DATES AND TIMES
Monthly Farm to ECE Coalition meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 1-2:30pm, via zoom.
2024 meeting dates:
- January 16
- February 20
- March 19
- April 16
- May 21
- June 18
- July 16
- August 20
- September 17
- October 15
- November 19
- December 17
PURPOSE
The Ohio Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE) Coalition aims to increase nutritious, local foods to young children in early care settings, while supporting more local farmers. We especially want to increase access to more local and nutritious foods to children of color and support farmers from underrepresented populations, and we recognize that we need more voices in the coalition to do this well.
FARM TO EARLY CARE EDUCATION (ECE) INCLUDES:
- Purchasing and serving locally grown and processed foods
- Teaching children about food including how food grows (inviting farmers in the classroom, taste tests with local foods, reading and learning about nutrition and agriculture, etc.);
- Creating and tending gardens or edible plants
CURRENT MEMBERS, WORKPLAN AND GUIDING DOCUMENT
- Ohio Farm to ECE Coalition Members
- High Obesity Program (HOP) Overview for Farm to ECE
- Ohio Farm to ECE Guiding Document (Charter)
BECOME A MEMBER
Benefits of Being a Member
- Building partnerships across Ohio to advance Farm to ECE.
- Opportunities for leadership.
- Networking at the Ohio Farm to School Quarterly Network Meetings the 2nd Thursday on March 14, June 13, Sept 12 and Dec 12, 2024.
Member Responsibilities
- Attend monthly coalition meetings
- Must participate in chosen subgroup activities
If interested, complete the Farm to ECE Interest Form. The Coalition will review and follow-up with you to ensure we are a good fit.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON FARM TO EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION
