Our state and our country are grappling with what it truly means to work toward justice, both collectively and individually. This has implications for every corner, and considering how we show up and what information we share. One small step to help think about so many things is books. Books provide a tangible way to have conversations about all sorts of things, and farm to early care is no different! 

If you are interested in expanding your library with more farm to early care books, the Food Trust has a Multicultural Collection of Farm to Early Care Books. Thinking about representation in food and farming books is one small way to start conversations. If you are interested in adult books, Food Corps has a book list with some great recommendations. 

Order your books from your local bookstore. If you don't know one, consider order from the amazing bookstore down the street from our offices, Moon Palace Books is shipping! 

What books have you read and loved? 

Does your school or early care use gardening as an educational tool? It's a great way to learn more about how food is grown and to get fresh air and physical activity outside, and can complement many other learning areas.

During Covid-19, there are a number of important things to keep in mind. Please watch the video below to learn more.

Have you seen the (virtual) Farm Babies at the Minnesota Zoo? Check them out!

https://mnzoo.org/farmbabies-3/

One of the zookeepers even reads stories to the baby animals.

Reading is such a great way to learn about farms, animals, and where food is grown. 'A Farmer's Life for Me' is a great book for little ones talking about life on a farm, and it is put to a song in their YouTube video: 

What are your favorite books about farms or food? 

Seed tape is helpful for spacing (not wasting) seeds with little hands.  

Cooking with kids is a great way to bring 'farm to early care' home. Try making root veggie pancakes! Any root vegetable would work - we used parsnips!

If you have whipping cream, make butter on this cold day! 

Try beet watercolor for a snack and activity in one! 

Try letting your kids help peel, scoop, or chop produce - it's fun and you can feel the slippery seeds!