Danville Child Development Center Enriches Early Learning Through PA Beef to PA Schools Program

DANVILLE, Pa. -January 22, 2026 -The Danville Child Development Center (DCDC) is proving that nutrition and education go hand in hand. Through its participation in the PA Beef to PA Schools program, the center has created a dynamic learning environment where children not only enjoy high-quality, Pennsylvania-sourced beef, they also explore where their food comes from through hands-on, experiential learning. 

Under the leadership of Executive Director Denise Baney, DCDC operates two facilities that serve around 150 children, from infants to preschoolers. For Baney and her team, incorporating local beef into their program is about much more than just meal planning.

“It’s important to start at a young age,” said Baney. “Children absorb so much before age five, such as healthy habits, the idea of caring for their bodies, and an understanding of their community. Introducing nutritious, local foods early on supports lifelong healthy choices.” 

DCDC uses about 65 pounds of fresh local ground beef each month, including homemade soups, stews, meatballs, and spaghetti with homemade sauce—meals children eagerly look forward to. “Our kids do fantastic with soup,” Baney said. “It’s a whole engagement experience, from fine motor skill development to exploring new flavors.” 

The center learned about the opportunity through local beef producer Crystal Davis of Davis Grown Farm, who also delivers directly to the facility. Baney immediately recognized the educational potential: "It was an amazing opportunity to provide children with a value-added beef product, and a value-added curriculum,” she shared. “This program lets us support local agriculture while creating meaningful learning experiences.”

Hands-On Learning: From Farms to Food Systems 

DCDC extends the farm-to-table concept deeply into its curriculum. Teachers create lesson plans around local products, including how farmers care for animals, the circle of life, and the importance of supporting local agriculture. Field trips and hands-on projects reinforce these lessons, from farm visits and farmers markets to apple, peach, and pumpkin picking. 

One favorite activity is egg incubation, where children follow the full 21-day cycle until chicks hatch. “It’s all visual and deeply engaging,” Baney explained. “Young children learn best through exploration.”

Beyond the classroom, the program has sparked meaningful conversations at home. “Parents hear from their children about trying ground beef from Davis Grown Farm, and it opens up dialogue,” said Baney. “It helps families understand the value of local foods while reinforcing healthy habits.”

A Model Other Programs can Follow

Baney hopes more early childhood programs consider the benefits of locally sourced foods and integrated agricultural learning. “This is an exceptional opportunity. I hope more programs will take advantage of it,” she said. “We are proud to participate. The learning experiences we’ve created around this program help develop the whole child.” 

 Through strong local partnerships, high-quality nutrition, and immersive educational experiences, DCDC is setting a powerful example of how early childhood programs can nurture young minds while supporting Pennsylvania agriculture.

To learn more about PBPS contact Nichole Hockenberry, PA Beef Council Executive Director at [email protected] or 1-888-4BEEFPA.

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The Pennsylvania Beef Council is a producer-controlled and funded organization, which administers the Beef Checkoff Program in Pennsylvania. The Beef Checkoff Program assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. Checkoff revenues may be used for promotion, education and research programs to improve the marketing climate for beef.