The Mississippi Farm to School Network (MFSN) and the Mississippi Farm to ECE Coalition invite ECE providers, support agencies (Head Start, Extension, child nutrition offices, and more), and anyone interested in Farm to ECE to join the 2026 Farm to ECE Institute, starting 9 am on Thursday, February 19th, 2026, via Zoom!
The Institute is designed to support the growth of Farm to ECE programs by bringing together early care professionals, TA providers, and community partners to share knowledge, build connections, and strengthen local food initiatives in ECE settings. Virtual participants may engage in four different FREE virtual professional development opportunities focused on gardening, community outreach, and strategies for incorporating local food and agriculture into their programs.
This kick-off lesson will provide an introduction to Farm to ECE and set the stage for the upcoming lessons in the series. While developed for Mississippi programs, all interested participants are welcome!
Series Overview
Bi-monthly Farm to Early Care & Education Institute lessons will be held online on the third Thursday of each Month, from February 19, 2026, through August 20, 2026.
February 19, 2026, from 9:00 am-1:00 pm: Team Building & Gardening 101
Note: The first lesson is longer (4 hours). Future lessons will last up to 2 hours.
April 16, 2026, from 3:00-4:00 pm: Local Food Purchasing & Procurement
June 18, 2026, from 3:00-4:00 pm: Engaging Your Community
August 20, 2026, from 3:00-4:00 pm: Supporting Farm to ECE & Early Childhood Nutrition Legislation and Advocacy
Graduation: October 2026, Date TBD
Farm to ECE Institute Virtual Lessons Graduation is reserved for participants who attend two or more lessons. Graduates will be celebrated during October, Farm to School Month.
All registered attendees will receive a contact hours certificate for ALL LESSONS in which they participate.
Recorded lessons will be available, but only registered attendees will receive a certificate.
Questions? Contact Edy Dingus at edy@mississippifarmtoschool.org
Register below to join the Institute and start building your Farm to ECE expertise!