The problem:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 60% of children do not consume enough fruit in their diet, and 93% do not eat enough vegetables. To address this issue, the Ohio County Extension Service collaborated with the Beaver Dam Community Famers Market and Ohio County Health Care to host “Kids Day at the Farmers Market”.

The educational program response:

The “Kids Farmer’s Market Day” is designed to: 1) Emphasize the relationship the farm plays in providing food to the table, 2) Increase youth’s consumption of fruits and vegetables, 3) Highlight the importance of eating a variety of colors in fruits and vegetables and 4) Increase awareness of our local farmer’s market’s variety and convenience.

The participants/target audience:

Kids Day at the Farmers was the largest ever, with over 300 families participating.  Various activities such as, a fruit and vegetable scavenger hunt w/vendors, balloon figures, petting zoo, bouncy houses, making youth bracelets, face painting, ice cream booth and recipes/SNAP calendars were distributed.  All children who completed the scavenger hunt went home with vegetables for prizes.

Other partners (if applicable):

Beaver Dam Community Farmers Market, Ohio Co. Healthcare, Perdue Farms

Program impact or participant response.:

• 54% percent of the families had never visited the Beaver Dam Community farmer's market. 
• Over $5000 in vendors sales for the day. By far the best sales day for the year.
• Seventy-Five percent of families wanted more information about Ohio County Cooperative Extension Service Programs.
• 85% indicated they would be visiting the Farmers Market again