The Northwest Tennessee Local Food Network is offering 15 mini-grants for $250 each to certified DHS early childcare centers or group/family agencies located within the 9-county region of Northwest Tennessee including: Benton, Carroll, Crockett, Dyer, Gibson, Henry, Lake, Obion, and Weakley Counties for Farm to Early Childcare projects.
The goal of the Nourishing Connection program is to nourish the connections young children have with healthy consumption habits by providing hands-on agricultural and nutrition education experiences through 1) growing food projects, 2) nutrition and agriculture education, and 3) eating local foods in school meals. Projects will incorporate all 3 of these elements in their grant proposal.
“Farm to early care and education (Farm to ECE) offers increased access to the three core elements including local food sourcing, school gardens and food and agriculture education to enhance the quality of the educational experience in all types of ECE settings,” stated Caroline Ideus, NWTNLFN Co-Director. “Farm to ECE offers benefits that parallel the goals and priorities of the early care and education community including emphasis on experiential learning opportunities, parent and community engagement and life-long health and wellness for children, families and caregivers.”
The review committee members will evaluate each application for proper criteria and study objectives before grants are awarded. Notification of acceptance or rejection of application will be delivered by email. Money will be awarded via the Northwest Tennessee Local Food Network. The application deadline is on Monday, March 10, 2025 by 9pm. Up to $250 may be requested. Any funding requests over that limit will automatically be removed from the list of potential grantee contenders. We have a total of 15 grants available with generous funding provided by Vital Farms. 15 awardees will be announced at the end of March. Each awardee will receive a $250 check with a grow kit including a variety of seeds to get the growing season started!
Learn more and apply by March 10, 2025 at nwtnlfn.org/nourishing-connection.
The Northwest Tennessee Local Food Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based out of Martin, TN, whose mission is to serve as a catalyst for a thriving and equitable local food system that is accessible to ALL.
