At Robbins Children’s Programs, we believe that healthy eating habits start early—and we’re excited to share how we’re making nutritious food both fun and accessible for our children.
Each day, we provide a variety of wholesome snacks that fuel growing minds and bodies. Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-sugar options are a staple at meal times. By offering balanced, kid-friendly foods, we not only support children’s physical health but also foster a positive relationship with food.
In addition to nutritious snacks, our program offers hands-on food exposure activities to encourage curiosity and expand young palates. Children participate in taste tests, simple food prep, and learn where food comes from—all through age-appropriate, engaging experiences.
We are excited to share that we have been awarded a Farm-to-School Grant through the USDA, which has enabled us to further enhance our initiatives. This grant promotes local food purchasing, garden-based learning, and nutrition education. As a result, children are enjoying a greater variety of locally grown produce, engaging in gardening projects, and building connections with local farmers.
This past spring, our preschool classrooms had the exciting opportunity to visit local farms on field trips. During these visits, the children explored farm fields, learned about how crops grow, discovered the rhythms of seasonal harvests, and even picked their own strawberries! These hands-on experiences enriched their learning by allowing them to witness the growth process firsthand and understand the origins of their food.
Our educators have also greatly benefited from the Farm-to-School grant. Preschool teachers received coaching and professional development from a Mass Audubon educator, gaining fresh ideas and practical strategies for incorporating hands-on garden learning into their programs. In addition, several staff members attended a multi-day retreat focused on gardening, fresh produce, and nutrition, allowing for an in-depth exploration of these topics. These valuable training opportunities were all made possible thanks to the support of the Farm to School grant.
By pairing healthy snacks with meaningful food experiences, we’re laying the foundation for lifelong wellness. As we continue to grow our garden and explore the world of healthy, delicious foods, we’ll be sharing regular updates along the way. Below, you’ll find a tasty recipe for families to try at home, along with a list of local farms and farmers markets to explore together.
One of our most popular taste tests this season was our strawberry smoothies! We used ingredients sourced from local farms to help strengthen connections within our community. We encourage families to visit nearby farms and farmers markets to incorporate fresh, locally grown produce into healthy, delicious snacks the whole family can enjoy.
Smoothie recipe:
- strawberries
- spinach
- frozen peaches
- bananas
- a splash of apple juice
Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Some of the children noted it was a bit sour; you could always add a bit of yogurt or honey to sweeten things a touch.
Local Farmer’s Markets:
✅ Attleboro Farmers Market
📍 Location: La Salette Shrine, 947 Park St, Attleboro, MA
🕘 When: Saturdays, 9 am–1 pm, from mid‑June through mid‑October
✅ North Attleboro Farmers Market
📍 Location: 43 South Washington Street, North Attleboro
🕘 When: Wednesdays, 5–8 pm from early June to late September
✅ Pawtucket Farmer’s Market
📍 Location: Jordan’s Jungle, 545 Pawtucket Ave
🕘 When: Spring–Fall (May–Oct): Held every Friday, 4:30–7:30 PM
Local Farms:
Wards Berry Farm
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- Location: 614 South Main Street Sharon, MA 02067
- Open Hours: Daily 9am-7pm
Langwater Farm
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- Location: 215 Washington Street (Route 138) North Easton, MA 02356
- Open Hours: Tues-Sunday 10am-6pm; Winter Farmer’s Market- Saturdays from 10am-2pm
Phantom Farms
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- Location: 2920 Diamond Hill Road Cumberland, RI 02864
- Open Hours: Daily 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM