West Georgia Community Transformation Grant Program

The West Georgia Community Transformation Grant is a targeted funding opportunity designed to support child care centers in four Georgia counties—Carroll, Douglas, Haralson, and Paulding—in adopting farm-to-early care and education (Farm to ECE) practices. This initiative is a partnership between Quality Care for Children and Retaaza and is made possible through a Community Transformation Grant provided by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. The program focuses on enhancing early childhood program quality while promoting child health through the integration of agricultural education and improved nutrition in child care settings. The grant specifically supports the adoption of QCC’s Harvest of the Month curriculum in classrooms serving children aged 0 to 5. Participating centers will receive a toolkit of materials for curriculum implementation, gain access to fresh produce, milk, and other foods that meet the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) standards through free delivery and online ordering, and receive a $1,000 mini-grant to build or expand on-site teaching gardens. These components aim to deepen children’s understanding of food origins and encourage healthier eating habits at an early age. Eligible applicants include licensed Child Care Learning Centers (CCLCs) that serve children aged 0–5 and are located in the aforementioned counties. Applicants must either be licensed by Bright from the Start (and in good standing), the Department of Defense, or another federal, state, or local entity. Additionally, all applicants must actively participate in CACFP and be willing to purchase and use locally-grown and produced foods a minimum of three times per month over a ten-month period. The application deadline for this opportunity is June 30, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Although the exact opening date for applications is not specified, the timeline suggests that applications are currently being accepted. There is no indication that the grant is offered on a rolling basis, but it may recur annually or on a similar schedule in future cycles. For assistance with the application process or to ask questions, applicants are encouraged to contact Monica Griffin via email at Monica.Griffin@qccga.org or by phone at 404-479-4190. Spanish-speaking applicants can contact Maria at 404-641-1658 for support in completing the application. The program's structure demonstrates a strong commitment to equity in access and aims to reduce barriers for high-need child care providers. Overall, this grant serves as both a resource enhancement and public health initiative aimed at strengthening early childhood environments. Through its emphasis on nutrition, gardening, and local food systems, the program supports holistic child development while aligning with broader community transformation goals in West Georgia.