How North Dakota Child Care Centers are Cultivating Fresh Food with Support from the Agriculture Department

FARGO, N.D. — Children at Jasmin Child Care and Preschool are getting hands-on lessons in where their food comes from. This summer, they received a $400 grant to expand their garden, learning right down to the rows where their vegetables grow.

Jasmin was one of 35 early childhood programs in North Dakota to receive this grant, part of an initiative by the North Dakota Farm to Early Care and Education Coalition. This group, supported by various state agencies including the Department of Agriculture and North Dakota State University Extension, aims to provide children with better access to healthy food.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture funded these grants through the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant and the Maternal and Child Health Program. Out of 241 applications statewide, the coalition selected Jasmin and other centers to help them grow fruits and vegetables.

Sky Purdin, the director of development at Jasmin, emphasized the importance of teaching kids about healthy eating. “Gardening lets them see how food grows, from planting the seeds to harvesting,” she said.

Jasmin has had a garden for years, but this grant has allowed them to build garden boxes and involve families. Director Rhoda Elmi mentioned how families can participate in the project, making fresh, nutritious food more accessible.

This garden program is part of the broader Farm to School initiative launched in 2022, which aims to connect students with local food sources. “A strong Farm to School program involves education, gardening, and local food purchases,” said Amanda Olson, a specialist with the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction.

The kids at Jasmin don’t just plant seeds; they also learn to recognize different plants and insects. Through these experiences, they gain a deeper understanding of where their food comes from and how to eat healthier. This early exposure to gardening could inspire them to continue these practices into adulthood.

Engaging with the land provides more than just food; it nurtures a sense of responsibility and connection to nature. According to a recent study by the American Society of Horticultural Science, children involved in gardening programs are more likely to develop a positive attitude toward fruits and vegetables.

This initiative not only nurtures young gardeners but also strengthens community ties and promotes healthy living. As these children dig in the dirt, they are cultivating knowledge that may last a lifetime.



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