All Alabama Farm to Early Care and Education Coalition programs are empowered to successfully source healthy local foods, build gardens, and offer food and agriculture activities that enrich the quality of early learning experiences for children and support the Alabama food economy.
November is a great time to get our little ones involved in gardening. Just because the weather is getting cooler does not mean our gardens have to stop growing. Here in Alabama, we can still grow some wonderful vegetables during the fall months, and lettuce is one of my favorites to introduce to young children.
October is one of my favorite times to introduce young learners to agriculture. The weather begins to cool, the colors around us start to change, and there are so many opportunities to bring the farm into the classroom.
Through Family Guidance Center of Alabama, in connection with Alabama Healthy Kids, Healthy Future, Early Childhood Educators have learned how to create and promote healthy environments where children can explore food, develop healthy eating habits, and build a foundation for lifelong wellness.
The Alabama Farm to Early Care and Education Coalition enriches early learning experiences by fostering the implementation of gardens, food education, and farm education activities. The Coalition also works to provide access to healthy foods by supporting local economies and purchasing locally.
The Coalition focuses providing opportunities that consider populations with varying socioeconomic statuses, abilities, and backgrounds.
Coalition members engage different sectors throughout the state to work together to address barriers faced by child care providers in Alabama.
The Farm to ECE Coalition seeks input and guidance from the individuals and groups directly affected by their work.
By utilizing a strengths-based approach, the Coalition keeps the needs and assets of community members a priority when making recommendations and thinking through solutions.
Members of the Coalition will strive to be transparent and communicate clearly about their work with the populations and communities they impact.
The Alabama Farm to Early Care and Education Coalition core values are a vital component of the Coalition’s work. By rooting their work in these core values, the Coalition strives to bring education and resources to every table in the child care field.
