September 28-29, 2022 Pumpkin Days was held at the Robinson Center for Appalachian Resource Sustainability. Youth in Preschool, Headstart, Kindergarten and 1^st Grades attended from multiple different counties where they rotated through educational stations, played games, took a hayride to the pumpkin patch and were able to select their own pumpkin to take home. Different SNAP approved pumpkin recipes were made by numerous different SNAP-Ed Assistants, Program Assistants and Agents for the kids in attendance to try. Each group was greeted by Wally Cat and a photo was taken!

Youth in attendance were able to try new foods for the first time! Several positive comments were collected throughout the day from the kids! Youth were excited to get to make the recipes at home, thanks to a recipe booklet that was sent home with each child! First time hay ride and pumpkin patch exposures occurred for lots of our youth. This event provides positive learning experiences combined with a safe place to try new and exciting things.

Due to the abundance of generosity from those working in Extension, we were able to provide this day to 697 youth over the two days.

Teachers as well as parents enjoyed the day and appreciate the vast opportunities provided to their students and children. Please see a comment below emailed from a participating teacher at the event. 

               “This program was great, and Callie absolutely loved it. The activities kept the kids physically active, and the recipes were something new for her to try. She can’t wait to do it again next year.”

                                                                                                                        -BF, First Grade parent at SES

“I am so glad my class had the opportunity to attend! The students loved picking their own pumpkins, testing recipes, and doing the activities. Some of these students don’t have the opportunity to get out in the community to do things like this. Thanks to all everyone involved in making this so fun and educational!”

                                                                                                                        -MHW, Kindergarten Teacher at MRC