Nebraska Farm to Preschool
Farm to Preschool (also referred to as Farm to Early Childhood Education) is an extension of the national Farm to School movement that started with school gardening and connecting farms/farming to schools.
Farm to Preschool includes early childhood programs encompassing preschools, Head Starts, child care centers, and day care homes serving garden or local foods, and providing hands-on nutrition educational activities such as:
- Field trips to farms, local markets, community gardens, and food co-ops
- Inviting guest to your facility – farmers, gardeners, chefs, etc.
- Food sensory exploration activities such as taste-testing, food art, or blind smelling tests
- Cooking with children
- Farm and garden toys and books
- Gardening with children
There are many benefits for children when they are involved in the gardening process. They learn about gardening, agriculture, and life skills. Children can be included with planning, planting, watering/weeding, and harvesting the garden. Fresh garden produce tastes better and data supports increased fruit and vegetable consumption in children who participate in gardening activities. Gardening also supports social and emotional growth.
Why Farm to Preschool?
- Supports development of healthy food patterns
- Early obesity prevention
- Better nutrition which is critical for development
- Children rely on caregivers for healthy food and active environment
- Hands-on activities can increase children’s willingness to try healthy foods
- Supports success local farmers and economies
- Young children behaviors can change family behaviors
What's New

Congratulations, Nebraska, for winning the Crunch off Championships for the 4th year in a row!
Thanks you to all who participated in the 2022 Nebraska Crunch off! Almost 70,000 students, community members and teachers crunched into Nebraska-grown products including apples, peppers, and celery root, while celebrating local food and farm to school programs throughout Nebraska. Approximately 3.59% of Nebraska’s population participated in the 2022 Crunch Off, including the largest crunch event at Omaha Public Schools with 31,200 participants with 14,412 registered. Let’s keep the momentum going, Nebraska! Continue highlighting local produce forms throughout programs and within your communities!
Make sure to check out our Produce Pick Spotlight – Winter Squash!
Win, Win, Win!
Photo credit: usdagov
Win for Children
Children benefit from educational activities and eating healthier foods. Locally grown foods are generally fresher and riper when harvested so they taste better.
Photo credit: usdagov
Win for farmers
Local agriculture is supported. The more nearby farm products are consumed, the more money in the pockets of farmers.
Photo credit: Flicker -djjewelz
Win for Communities Purchasing nearby agricultural products keeps more money in the communities and builds stronger local economies.