A Shasta County project pairing California-grown produce with early nutrition education earned regional and national recognition, CDFA reported Oct. 22. The partnership between First 5 Shasta and University of California Cooperative Extension purchased and distributed more than 8,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables from 11 farms over two years.
The project placed first in the western region and third nationally for the 2026 Early Childhood Child Care Training Award from the National Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. Funding came through CDFA’s Farm to School Incubator Grant Program.
Produce purchases paired with lessons
Beginning in 2025, the project brought six weeks of hands-on education and California-grown produce to 12 childcare sites across Shasta County. Shasta College students delivered lessons using USDA’s Grow It, Try It, Like It and Harvest of the Month resources.
Childcare providers served the produce in meals and snacks and used it to make foods including salsa, zucchini bread, spaghetti sauce and peach ice cream. Families also received fruits and vegetables to take home, extending access beyond the childcare setting.
Children and families report interest
CDFA reported that 170 children participated in tastings involving 24 fruits and vegetables. In the taste-testing results, 88% tried the featured item and 71% said they would eat it again.
Among 82 families completing the final survey, 88% reported that their child tried new fruits and vegetables, while 96% said their child asked for fruits and vegetables at home. Those responses describe families’ reported experiences, rather than measured long-term dietary changes.
“This project showed us that farm to school can start well before children enter school,” UCCE Community Nutrition and Health Advisor Janessa Hartmann said.
State program supports early learning
The Shasta project fits the statewide grant program’s scope: local food purchasing and hands-on education from early childhood through 12th grade. Administered by CDFA’s Office of Farm to Fork, the program launched in the 2021-22 state budget. In a separate Oct. 16 report, CDFA said ongoing funding had been secured in the 2026-27 state budget.
