Owner and operator of Little Sprouts Early Learning Child Development Home, Justina Yoder began her Farm to ECE program in 2021 when she received her first farm to ECE grant. From Justina, “We began with just a small garden with tomatoes, squash, beans, lettuce and a few other vegetables. I began to notice over the years the more children helped in the garden, planting, watering, weeding and harvesting the produce the more likely they were to be willing to try new foods. I had children who wouldn't touch tomatoes and peppers learn to love them! “

Justina has grown her garden program from that small garden to one that now hosts a hydroponic garden, and she is working on incorporating a greenhouse and aquaponic system. Justina shared that because of the hydroponic garden, “The children now ask for salads nearly daily and most will eat it whereas prior to the hydroponic garden they wouldn't touch salads.” Justina plans to use the greenhouse to grow extra plant starts that she and the kids she cares for can offer at the local farmers market for free will donation. The proceeds will fund their garden program and the plants will support more community food access.

In addition to hosting a robust garden program, Justina participates annually in a local CSA and the statewide Iowa Farm to Summer Campaign. This year, her program was a finalist in the Iowa Healthiest State Award and she’s a member of the 2024 Iowa Farm to ECE Learning Collaborative. She makes great efforts to engage kids in cooking and hands-on learning, and promotes all of this to engage and make connections with families. “I am so proud of the children in my care and how they are becoming more willing to try new and different foods! It makes me feel good when parents share how they are confident their children are eating a wide variety of foods due to the exposure they received at my home.”