We aim to influence positive food choices in children by bringing gardening opportunities to childcare settings & homes. Our mission is to empower young people and inspire healthy food choices in the children of Tennessee and Kentucky.
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CHILD CARE RAISED BED GARDEN SITES BUILT SINCE 2015
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CONTAINER AND INDOOR GARDEN SITES INSTALLED SINCE 2023
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CHILDREN PARTICIPATING IN FARM TO EARLY CHILD CARE
Discover more on our Educator Garden Map and explore the latest highlights in our Seasonal Harvest updates. We’re proud to showcase the incredible dedication of educators in our program and the meaningful impact they’re making for the children in their care. Gardening offers a fun, hands-on way to help kids understand what a healthy plate looks like and build lifelong habits of nutritious eating.
Educator Garden Map
Seasonal Harvest
- Benefits of Taking Root Together -
Gardening helps children develop healthier eating habits by making them more excited to try and enjoy the fruits and vegetables they grow themselves. It builds physical coordination, responsibility, patience, and self-confidence as they care for plants and see their efforts pay off. Additionally, it strengthens their connection to nature, boosts emotional well-being, and sparks curiosity and learning across science, math, and the environment.
- Improved nutrition and healthier eating habits
- Stronger sense of responsibility and patience
- Increased self-confidence
- Better emotional well-being and reduced stress
- Sensory and exploratory development
We provide educators with everything they need, including free seeds, starter plants, soil, tools, and garden kits, to start or expand their own produce gardens. Educators simply apply for a garden, we come out and build it, and then they take full responsibility for maintaining and caring for the garden. In return, they grow fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs that support hands-on learning and healthy eating for their students.
Gardening teaches children that plants rely on their consistent care, such as regular watering and weeding, and that neglecting these tasks can cause the plants to suffer or die. They quickly learn to take ownership of their garden space, understanding that they are personally accountable for both the successes and any mistakes they make along the way. Through the long process from planting seeds to harvesting crops, kids discover that real responsibility means staying committed over time and seeing their steady efforts lead to meaningful results.
- Consistent care is essential
- Ownership and accountability
- Long-term commitment pays off
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Sharing duties and teamwork
- Frequently Asked Questions -
Taking Root Together is focused on improving children’s food choices by bringing gardening opportunities to childcare settings and families. The primary goal is to empower young people and inspire healthy food choices in the children of Tennessee and Kentucky. Taking Root Together aims to:
- Increase consumption of fruits & vegetables
- Make children more comfortable with trying new fruits and vegetables
- Increase access to healthy food resources and garden-education material
- Reconnect children with the source of raw foods
- Prepare preschoolers for K-12, Farm to School activities
Taking Root Together provides gardening supplies and educational resources to area childcare providers and families who fit certain eligibility criteria. Our staff installs a raised garden bed, fills it with nutrient rich top soil then sows the seeds that will produce nutritious fruits and vegetables for years to come. In addition, gardening tools and equipment are provided with a garden to fork themed preschool curriculum that helps reinforce the gardening concepts with young children.
Taking Root Tennessee in currently partnered with over 35 area childcare homes and centers in the State of Tennessee. In order to be eligible for the program, participants must meet 5 eligibility requirements.
- CACFP Participant (Child & Adult Care Food Program)
Child care sites must serve nutritious meals credible under the Child & Adult Care Food Program guidelines. - Physical Space
Minimum, 24 square foot plot on semi-flat ground - Home Owner/Permission
Proof of ownership or have agreement on file with home owner/community development organization - Geographic
Located in State of Tennessee or Kentucky - Income (Child Care Homes Only)
Have children living in your home who qualify for Free and Reduced Price School Meals under the National School Lunch Program.