In 2019, Martin County, Kentucky had a census of 11,287 with 31.9% of that population living in poverty. More than a quarter of them are children. Those children often experience food insecurity and lack access to nutritious foods, like fruits and vegetables. In 2015, 35.9% of Martin County’s adult population were considered obese, and 31.6% were considered physically inactive. Martin County currently lacks access to public transportation, grocery stores, clean drinking water and nutritious foods.  

To help combat this problem, the Martin County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with the CDC grant to implement The Power of Produce (POP) Club at the Martin County Farmers Market to celebrate National Farmers Market Week. The Power of Produce (POP) Club provides a fun opportunity for children to engage in the local food system through conversations directly with farmers, educational games and demonstrations, and exposure to new fruits and vegetables. In addition to participating in educational activities, POP Club kids receive vouchers to spend at the market, allowing them to make their own shopping decisions at the market. 

During the three-day event the Martin County Farmers Market received over 200 participants. Each participant, including adults received a $5 voucher with a produce bag full of incentives (cutting boards, produce brush & peeler, frisbee and pedometer) along with nutrition education, healthy recipes & snacks, physical activities and games. After attending, participants reported they could identify healthy foods, that they plan to use the produce for the recipes provided, eat more fruits and vegetables, and be more active.