Farmer’s Market Big Blue Power of Produce

Too few U.S. residents consume the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables. Following a dietary pattern that includes sufficient fruits and vegetables can help protect against some chronic conditions that are among the leading causes of mortality in the United States.  Continued efforts to increase fruit and vegetable consumption by improving access and affordability will help mitigate health disparities among U.S. residents. Overall, 10.0% of Americans met vegetable recommendations, only 5.6% of Kentuckians met the recommendations. The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans* advise incorporating more fruits and vegetables into U.S. residents’ diets as part of healthy dietary patterns. Adults should consume 1.5–2 cup-equivalents of fruits and 2–3 cup-equivalents of vegetables daily.  Perceived barriers to fruit and vegetable consumption include cost, as well as limited availability and access.  How can we break down these barriers in Muhlenberg County, KY?

Through a partnership with the Muhlenberg County Nutrition Education Program, the Muhlenberg County Health Department, and the Muhlenberg County Health Department a program was addressed.  The group applied for a Health Equity Grant from the Kentucky Department of Health Departments, a 10,000.00 grant was awarded for the Big Blue Power of Produce program.  $9.000 of the grant was used to reimburse local market vendors for produce.

The Big Blue Power of Produce tokens were given out at Nutrition Education Program classes, Health Department classes, and other educational events in Muhlenberg County presented to families in our limited resource audience.  The Big Blue tokens are used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at the Muhlenberg County Farmer’s Market, breaking down the barriers of cost and availability.  

Attendance at educational programs increased with the distribution of the tokens, thus increasing the amount of educational information that was shared and an increase in access to fresh fruits and vegetables to clients using their Big Blue tokens at the Farmer’s Market.

Farmer's Market Tokens are more than just a convenient way to shop for fresh produce; they are a means to strengthen our community, promote sustainability, and enjoy the best that local agriculture has to offer, not to mention your personal growth from your participation in new educational opportunities.