Welcome to the Early Sprouts
Gardening Project
Gardening and Nutrition Experiences
for the Young Child
Overview:
- The Early Sprouts Gardening and Nutrition Experiences for the Young Child (Early Sprouts) curriculum model is a prevention program with the following goals:
- To increase young children's food preferences for and consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low fat dairy products.
- To promote school and family-based dietary changes.
- To reduce the risks and issues associated with childhood overweight and obesity.
- Preschool children are connected to their food supply through a unique "seed to table" curriculum centered around a working garden:
- Children learn to grow, harvest, and prepare nutritious seasonal produce.
- Children become familiarized with healthy food and snack choices.
- Experiences in the school garden provide children with opportunities to:
- Understand how the natural world sustains us.
- Develop environmental stewardship.
- Make good nutritional choices at an early age.
- The program addresses young children's inherent fear of new foods through multiple exposures to target fruits and vegetables:
- Sensory exploration
- Tasting sessions
- Cooking activities
- Family Recipe Kits
- Overview
- Project Background
- The 24-Week Curriculum
- Role of the Family
- Role of the Educator
- Participant Quotes
- Contact Information
- Donor List & Project Sites
- References
© 2005-2008
Early Sprouts Program
Keene State College
