Farm to Head Start Case Studies

Since 2013 IATP has partnered with one third of the Head Start programs across Minnesota, working alongside Head Start staff to incorporate local menu items, educational food- and farming-related classroom activities and local food-related family engagement events into their programs. These seven case studies illustrate how IATP’s Head Start partners were able to incorporate Farm to Head Start activities in ways that met their individual needs and goals.

For nearly a decade, IATP has championed Farm to Early Care and Education initiatives across Minnesota to help connect young children with healthy, locally grown foods. During that time, IATP learned how to adapt and adjust its program to meet each location's unique goals, challenges and setting. 

Farm to Head Start is a win for children, for farmers and for local communities. But how exactly does the program work, how does a Head Start center get involved and what role can IATP play in facilitating these initiatives?