The Kansas Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, is accepting applications from Kansas licensed early child care facilities for a new program aimed at boosting child nutrition knowledge and increasing the consumption of local fruits and vegetables.

The program, “Our Earliest Eaters: Bringing the Farm to Kansas Licensed Early Child Care Facilities,” will provide age-appropriate curriculum about Kansas specialty crops and reimbursements for purchasing locally grown produce. Fifty facilities will be selected through a competitive application process to receive educational activities and resource kits at no cost.

After implementing the curriculum, selected facilities will receive up to $250 per growing season to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables for educational activities and meal programs. The Kansas Department of Agriculture will assist the facilities in connecting with local farmers and producers.

This initiative aims to enhance nutrition education for young children while supporting Kansas specialty crop producers by creating new market opportunities.

Applications are due to KDA no later than 5:00 p.m. CT on Friday, February 28, 2025.

For more information, visit Our Earliest Eaters.

Funding for this program was made possible by the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service.