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Nurturing Healthy Habits Through Sensory-Friendly Experiences

Harvest Connections™ is a year-long initiative designed to help local childcare providers integrate monthly Harvest of the Month taste tests into classroom learning and, where appropriate, center menus. The program will serve preschool children, educators, and families in local ECE sites, providing children with repeated, positive opportunities to explore fresh fruits and vegetables through sensory activities, nutrition education, and hands-on learning.

This program recognizes that many neurodivergent children experience sensory sensitivities related to taste, texture, smell, and visual presentation of foods. Our approach meets children where they are—creating a low-pressure, inclusive environment that encourages exploration, curiosity, and confidence.

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Partner With Us
We welcome partnerships with grocery stores, retailers, community organizations, and funders who are committed to supporting children, families, and healthy communities.

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Donations and partnerships support the initiative by helping us purchase:

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables

  • Healthy snacks and pantry staples

  • Gardening tools and supplies

  • Sensory materials and adaptive learning tools


These resources are used directly in programming and to support participating families.

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"Our goal is simple: give young children positive experiences with healthy foods that can grow into lifelong healthy habits.” — Dr. Simbi Animashaun, Founder & Executive Director, Horizon Over the Spectrum, Inc.

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 Program Overview

Harvest Connections™ is a year-long initiative designed to help local childcare providers integrate monthly Harvest of the Month taste tests into classroom learning and, where appropriate, center menus. The program will serve preschool children, educators, and families in local ECE sites, providing children with repeated, positive opportunities to explore fresh fruits and vegetables through sensory activities, nutrition education, and hands-on learning.

Pre-K staff and students participate together in activities that build routine, reduce food aversion, and strengthen connections—both with food and with one another.

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What Makes This Initiative Unique

  • Sensory-informed food exploration

  • No-pressure tasting opportunities

  • Predictable monthly routines

  • Family-centered nutrition education

  • Inclusive, judgment-free environment


All activities are designed with sensory needs in mind, allowing children to explore at their own pace.

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Monthly Harvest of the Month

Each month, families are introduced to a featured fruit or vegetable through:

  • Sensory exploration (touch, smell, visual engagement)

  • Gardening activities connected to the harvest

  • Simple nutrition education

  • Family take-home resources and recipes


Children are never required to taste foods—participation is guided by comfort, choice, and curiosity.

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© 2025-2026, Horizon Over the Spectrum, Inc. All rights reserved.  
Horizon Over the Spectrum, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by the law.  
 
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