Farm to ECE Recognition

Recognition in Farm to ECE shows that a facility is connected to their local community and cares about good nutrition and helping children learn where their food comes from. Check out our recently recognized programs here. Learn more about the key best practices that facilities meet in order to be recognized below.

Cooking & Taste Tests

Hands-on nutrition education helps children try new fruits and vegetables while engaging their senses, creativity, and fine motor skills.

Gardening

Gardening is a whole child activity. Children use their bodies to dig, water, and sort seeds. Their minds are engaged as they learn about the natural…

Local Foods Provided

Serving local fruits and vegetables supports local farmers and ensures fresh, nutritious meals for young children.

Farm to ECE Policy

A written policy can show how important Farm to ECE is to a facility. Written policies help the facility communicate values and expectations clearly with families…

How to Apply

Follow the steps below, or check out this checklist for applying. This presentation and its recording also cover the basics of applying for the Child Nutrition, Farm to ECE, and Oral Health recognitions.

Make sure the facility is eligible for the Farm to ECE REACH recognition.
- REACH recognized facilities/programs must be licensed and located in North Carolina and serve infants, toddlers, and/or preschool-aged children.
- Facilities/programs must have achieved a score of “Leading the Way” on their latest Go NAPSACC Farm to ECE self-assessment (taken within the past two years).

Gather required information and documentation. Along with providing basic information about the ECE program, you will show how the facility is meeting key evidence-based practices in Farm to ECE by submitting scanned copies/photos of a:
- month of menus that shows local foods fruits and/or vegetables being served 3 times per week or more
- photos of the garden that show that it provides at least a taste to enrolled preschoolers and that children participate in garden activities
- description of a taste test or hands-on cooking activity using fresh fruits or vegetables
- section of your family/staff handbook that states your commitment to Farm to ECE

Use this print copy of the application to make sure you have all of the information you need to complete the application.

Complete this online application. This checklist can help you make sure you’re ready to go. Either a representative from an ECE program or their TA partner may complete this application for recognition in Farm to ECE. You will complete one application for each facility. Applications are due by Feb 24, 2023 for March recognition, by April 15, 2023 for May recognition, or by June 15, 2023 for July recognition. Reviewers will look over your application and either come back with questions or issue the recognition.

Recognition

Recognized facilities receive a profile on our website as well as a yard sign, certificate, and graphics and draft language to include in social media posts or family newsletters. REACH shares facilities’ success through social media and will work with TA Consultants to look for local opportunities to celebrate recognized facilities.