This training will help child care staff learn effective integration of local foods into early childhood menus. Through live cooking demonstrations, participants will observe preparation techniques while learning to identify age-appropriate serving sizes and implement evidence-based feeding practices. Critical food safety education will also be incorporated to ensure compliance with health standards during preparation and service. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to enhance the nutritional quality and safety of their center’s meal programs. Participants will learn how to integrate seasonal, local foods into early childhood menus using safe and accessible food preparation techniques, identify and implement age-appropriate serving sizes and evidenced-based feeding practices to support healthy development in young children and identify opportunities to purchase local foods in Chatham County.
Presenter: Tara Gregory (NC State Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences) Dorothy Rawleigh and Savannah Overman.
DCDEE credits: 1.5 hours
Registration deadline: August 2, 2026 at 5:00pm
