Central ND News

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) and the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI), jointly leading the North Dakota Farm to Early Care and Education Coalition, have announced the recipients of the Farm to School garden grants. These grants will be awarded to 35 state-licensed early childhood education centers. The purpose is to facilitate the purchase of supplies and equipment necessary for growing fruits and vegetables.

Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said, “The program will help connect children with local food systems and agriculture. Students will learn where their food comes from, and the initiative will help them develop skills that they can use throughout their lives.”

Kirsten Baesler, the state school superintendent, added, “Hungry students have more difficulties learning and paying attention. Frankly, this is true for everyone. These Farm to School Garden Grants help to ensure our students are well fed with healthy, nourishing food, and there’s an added bonus – their fruits and vegetables are coming from North Dakota producers.”

The recipients of these grants span a wide range of locations including Mindy’s Clubhouse in New Rockford and Tiny Treasures in Leeds. Other centers receiving grants include New Song Kids Care in Bismarck, Giggles N Grins Child Care Center in Wahpeton, and Joyful Beginnings Child Care & Preschool in Devils Lake, among others.

The coalition also involves the participation of the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (NDDHHS), North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension, and Fargo-Cass Public Health. These entities will provide technical support through webinars and guidance from master gardener volunteers from NDSU Extension.

With 241 applications received from early childhood education centers throughout the state, funding for these grants was secured via the United States Department of Agriculture Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Award and the NDDHHS Maternal and Child Health Program.

For further inquiries, the North Dakota Department of Agriculture advises contacting Local Foods Marketing Specialist Jenna Nieters at 701-328-2659 or jnieters@nd.gov and the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction suggests reaching Farm to School Specialist Amanda Olson at 701-328-0817 or amolson@nd.gov.