Where are children permitted to literally get their hands dirty and learn something in the process? In a garden, of course. Children and gardening go hand in hand. It’s a natural fit, so naturally, early care and education providers won’t want to miss this opportunity through the Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children (Iowa AEYC) to apply for garden mini-grants to develop or expand an edible garden in their environment.
Growing a garden is one way to inspire lifelong healthy eating habits in children. Experiential outdoor learning that includes purposeful physical activity, gardening skills like planting, caretaking, and harvesting, and ultimately preparing and tasting homegrown produce helps children make connections about the food they consume.
New and expanding garden projects will be supported through funding and technical assistance through Iowa AEYC’s Farm to Early Care and Education (F2ECE). Sites serving vulnerable communities will be given priority with award amounts ranging from $100 - $500. Applications are due on April 1, by close of business.