Cooking for Little Farmers

Cooking for Little Farmers is designed for young learners ages 2-5 and their grownups. Together, we'll chop, mix, and taste our way through simple, healthy recipes, using ingredients from the farm whenever possible. Each session, we'll read a story or book that ties into our recipe, inviting curiosity and imagination while our food cooks. From kneading dough to blending flavors, little farmers will build confidence in the kitchen, explore with their senses, and deepen their appreciation for food, farms, and community. 

Questions? Please email us at education@cedarcirclefarm.org.

---

Days & Times

November to April
Tuesdays, 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.

See our registration page for available dates. 

Pre-Registration is required for Cooking for Little Farmers and will close when the class fills. Because there is limited space in our kitchen, we unfortunately cannot accommodate drop-ins. 

Note that this program is different from our outdoor Little Farmers program and punch cards cannot be used towards a Cooking for Little Farmers class. 
 

---

Class Fees

$35 per student-caregiver pair*

In our pilot year in 2025-26, we offered tiered pricing in the hopes of making Cooking for Little Farmers accessible to more families.

This year, we’re simplifying the payment structure with one set price that reflects the true cost of the program, while also expanding scholarships.

If the full price isn’t workable for your family, please apply for financial assistance here. We really want everyone to be able to join us, regardless of their family’s financial situation!

*Student to Caregiver Ratio: We require a 1:1 student to caregiver ratio. In a program with knives and hot ovens, it is essential that each caregiver is only supervising one child. 

---

Health Policies

Please click here to read our policies regarding illness.

---

Cancellation Policy

All sales for the Cooking for Little Farmers program are final. We are unable to offer refunds or credits once registration is complete. However, participants may transfer to another Cooking for Little Farmers class time up to 48 hours before the program.

In the unlikely event that Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center must cancel a class due to unforeseen circumstances (such as instructor illness, low enrollment, or hazardous weather), participants will be notified promptly and will receive a full refund less service fees.

---

Other Important Details

Location: 867 Pavillion Road, East Thetford, VT [Google Maps link here]

Note that your class will take place at the Sunny Fields Farmhouse, located 1/2 mile south of the Cedar Circle farmstand. Please enter via the bright red south-facing door.

Parking: There is parking on the north and south sides of the building. Please do not park in the resident parking on the north side (indicated by posted signs).

Timing: Please plan to arrive at least 5 minutes before the start of class so that we can begin promptly at 9:30 a.m.

What to Wear: Closed toe shoes are required. Wear clothes that can get dirty—we like a messy good time and don't want to stain your best threads! If  you or your child have long hair, please make sure it is tied back. 

What to Bring: We encourage you to bring a water bottle for you and your child, and a container to take home any leftovers we might have! 

---

Cooking for Little Farmers Family Feedback

Here’s what Cooking for Little Farmer families had to say about the program:

• “We had a fantastic time and I had such a proud little chef on my hands!”
   
• "I loved everything about it. [My child] at 4 is the perfect age for something like this and we would do it over and over again. [The instructors] are phenomenal at teaching children in engaging and efficient ways. I wish every child had this opportunity. The education program at CCF is top notch and I will always recommend it to everyone who will listen.

---

Sample Lessons

While the week's recipes vary depending on produce availability, family needs, and participant allergies, here's a taste of what we've cooked up in the past!

Tuesday, January 13th, 2026
We sure have a lot of butternut squash in storage at the farm, and what better way to use it than by adding a healthy twist to a classic comfort food? This week, we’ll be making some delicious butternut squash mac and cheese and reading Sophie’s Squash by Pat Zietlow Miller.

Tuesday, January 20th, 2026
We love getting our hands in the mix and are excited to invite our Little Farmers help us roll out this week’s delicious recipe: apple galette! We’ll be working on our fine motor skills chopping apples and rolling out dough - and while our dishes are in the oven, we’ll read one of our favorite farm books, A Fruit is a Suitcase for a Seed by Jean Richards.

Tuesday, January 27th, 2026
Beets, beets, beautiful beets! We’re celebrating one of our favorite root vegetables by showing it some chocolatey love – join us to make beet brownies! We will get to mix, stir, fold and bake our tasty ingredients, and while they’re in the oven, we’ll read City Beet by Tziporah Cohen.