For the past ten years, Wake County Partnership for Children (WCPC) has been a dedicated leader in connecting local food and nutrition education through its impactful Farm to Early Care and Education (Farm to ECE) initiative. Since launching the program a decade ago, WCPC has worked tirelessly to build a stronger, healthier foundation for our youngest residents, integrating local produce, gardening, and hands-on learning into countless child care centers across the county.

This summer, WCPC’s commitment to innovation was brilliantly demonstrated through their Farm to ECE Garden Internship Program. A team of energetic summer garden interns was hired to lead the way, managing on-site gardens, facilitating classroom taste tests, and running fun, educational activities at many participating child care centers. These interns were the essential boots-on-the-ground support, transforming small plots into vibrant, hands-on learning laboratories where children could pick, wash, and eat fresh food. Without the dedication, passion, and daily presence of these interns, the day-to-day work of maintaining gardens and consistently integrating local food education would simply not be as successful as it is today in Wake County. WCPC celebrates the interns for their vital role in driving this ten-year success story forward, ensuring more children are connected to where their food comes from.

Key accomplishments include:

  • Working with Wake County Smart Start–affiliated childcare centers and family child care homes to support garden installation, maintenance, and garden-based learning
  • Planting and caring for garden beds filled with seasonal vegetables, herbs, and pollinator-friendly flowers
  • Assisting with interactive garden activities, helping children explore nature through touch, observation, and inquiry
  • Creating child-friendly educational signage and sensory materials to promote hands-on learning
  • Providing nutritional support by offering cooking demonstrations and developing healthy, garden-inspired recipes for children, staff, and families
  • Supporting community engagement, including preparing for site visits and developing materials that showcase garden learning
  • Documenting growth and progress through photos, journals, and activity reflections

The interns demonstrated creativity, leadership, and dedication throughout their work. Their contributions enriched the learning experiences of children, supported the health and well-being of families, and strengthened the foundation for long-term outdoor and nutrition education across Wake County.