The University of Massachusetts, Department of Nutrition and the University of New Hampshire, Cooperative Extension have developed a free, online, interactive food safety program for Farm to Early Childcare programs.
Food Safety from Farm and Garden to Preschool Training Program is available online at www.umass.edu/safefoodfarm2kid. This free, self-paced program was created to help early childcare educators, foodservice staff, volunteers and parents understand the importance of reducing the risk of food safety related to fresh fruits and vegetables for young children. The program includes five units:
Farm to Preschool Benefits
Fresh Produce and Foodborne Illness Risks
Food Safety Basics for the Classroom and the Kitchen
Food Safety and Gardening Activities
Food Safety on Field Trips to Farms and Farmers’ Market.
Printable resources such as Best Practices Planning Tools, resources, and Certificates of Completion are available and may be able to be used towards Professional Development requirements. For more information on the program and to get started, visit www.umass.edu/safefoodfarm2kid or contact Cathy Wickham at cwickham@schoolph.umass.edu.