Program Spotlight: Clen Moore Head Start, Coldwater, MS

Students harvesting cabbage from Clen Moore Head Start

Clen Moore Head Start in Coldwater, MS, is a model Mississippi Sprouts participant. Upon joining Sprouts in January 2026, Clen Moore had several empty garden beds on their Pre-K playground and grew greens in one small milk jug garden on their Toddler playground. 

After working closely with the Mississippi Farm to School Network and receiving $2500 in implementation funds to support their Spring growing season, more than 100 Clen Moore students harvested tomatoes, collards, and more fresh produce in late May 2026. The students and staff enjoyed taste tests of their center-grown food, and many families went home with fresh ingredients for dinner. Clen Moore exemplifies how a little bit of funding and a lot of community involvement go a long way in sustaining Farm to ECE programming in Mississippi!

Clen Moore Head Start Director, Phyllis Sanford, with cabbages students help grow on site

The following is a testimonial from Director Phyllis Sanford of Clen Moore Head Start:

“It has been a wonderful experience developing the Farm to ECE program at Clen Moore Head Start. The initial start was a little challenging with no real guidance, time or knowledge of how to start, or care for a garden, or assist teachers with activities. The idea of the program meant my constant conversation with a native of Coldwater, Mrs. Rona Martin, who would not let up on me. Even though it was hard, I accepted the challenge and consulted Mr. William Kevin Knox, who was over the community garden in Coldwater.”

“In 2025, we received three raised beds from MS Farm to School Network and purchased four beds with donated funds from local churches. One of the aldermen of Coldwater found out about the project and wanted to be a partner. Mr. Carr made us a raised bed that was long enough to cover the entire front gate.”

“In 2026, we joined MS Farm to School Network’s Mississippi Sprouts program. We received funding to support our Farm to ECE programming. Our community was energized. Our students even took a field trip to Homestead Nursery and Farm, and Homestead donated many items for us to plant in our garden!”

“Then, Mr. Knox involved Mr. Richardson at local Richardson Farms. Just like we always dreamed, the students and parents were afforded the opportunity to plant the Clen Moore Head Start garden.”

“After that, I began to involve the classroom even more. We started to teach more advanced language and activities with the students in the garden. We began teaching them how to make things grow, what it takes for things to grow, how to harvest, and how to prepare. By the end of the semester, we had many tasting parties and parents were allowed to take produce home.”

“After so much involvement from the community, what was challenging became a joy. This project has inspired me to start a garden at my home. I am thankful for MS Farm to School Network because we are doing a lot more activities the students can tie to real-world experience. I look forward to the plans we have for our upcoming school year!”