Barriers to access to local produce in an early childhood setting in rural Appalachia

Authors

  • ‘Erali’ Tracie Miller Appalachian State University
  • Kathleen Schroeder Appalachian State University
  • Bhuwan Thapa Appalachian State University
  • Elizabeth Shay Appalachian State University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3529-151X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2024.141.004

Keywords:

local food, Appalachia, farm to early care, childcare centers, COVID-19, pandemic

Abstract

This case study examines young children’s access to fresh local produce in childcare settings in rural Appalachia. In-depth, semi-structured interviews with childcare center directors participating in farm to early care and education programming were conducted in the spring of 2023. Centering the per­spective of childcare directors, this research explores why farm to school programming is diffi­cult to implement. It specifically addresses the bar­riers preventing early childcare centers from pro­viding access to fresh and local produce to enrolled children. Eight primary obstacles to implementing farm to early care and education programming were identified: lack of staff; too wide a variety of tasks for directors; the “extra” work that fresh pro­duce requires; lack of knowledge about how to grow food; lack of required kitchen equipment; need for additional funding; unclear or out-of-date regulations about food safety; and a lack of paren­tal time. Limitations of the research include the specific geographic location of the study and the long-lasting implications of the COVID-19 pan­demic. Recommendations drawn from this case study include improving communication between childcare centers and regulatory agencies; creative use of alternative gardening practices; participating in a regional food hub; and improved funding.

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Author Biographies

‘Erali’ Tracie Miller, Appalachian State University

Graduate Student in Geography. ‘Erali’ Tracie Miller is now at Triangle Montessori Academy, Cary, NC USA.

Kathleen Schroeder, Appalachian State University

Professor, Department of Geography and Planning

Bhuwan Thapa, Appalachian State University

Assistant Professor, Department of Geography and Planning

Elizabeth Shay, Appalachian State University

Associate Professor, Department of Geography and Planning

Published

2024-10-31

How to Cite

Miller, ‘Erali’, Schroeder, K., Thapa, B., & Shay, E. (2024). Barriers to access to local produce in an early childhood setting in rural Appalachia. Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, 14(1), 169–183. https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2024.141.004