Author: Lindie Huffman
Planning Unit: Pendleton County CES
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Plan of Work: Promoting Health and Wellness from cradle to grave
Outcome: Initial Outcome
The Sprouts Kids Club is a farmers market-based children program at the Pendleton County Farmers' Market (PCFM), that seeks to teach children about fruits and vegetables, local food systems, and healthy food preparation through fun activities. Participants engage in the full farmers market experience by trying new foods, having conversations with farmers, and buying local produce. Fun weekly activities ranging from cooking demonstrations to farmers market scavenger hunts provide nutrition, food, agriculture, and exercise education to the children and families that participate each week.
What makes Sprouts unique is that it puts the buying power into the hands of children, giving children the opportunity to be the consumers and connect with farmers the same way regular market shoppers do. After participating in the lesson & craft, children receive Five $1 tokens to spend with the farmer of their choice. In 2021, there were over 223 participants, not including the special StoryWalk event, which had over 150 participants in one Saturday. 2022 has seen an average of 45 kids per week at market.
Sprouts is a program of the Pendleton County Extension Office, lead by the Agriculture Agent. Various community groups have assisted with leading the educational program/craft. The Falmouth Rotary Club supported the Sprouts Kids Corner through a $1,500 grant to supply kid size picnic tables, rubber grass mats, and materials for various projects. New for 2022, the Pendleton County FFA Students are leading the educational sessions and Pendleton County Farm Bureau is supporting the token program with a $1,000 donation.
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