Nutritious food is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle for children. With children in need of specific nutrients to support their growth and development, 1 in 3 (32.1%) children did not eat a daily fruit and nearly half (49.1%) did not eat a daily vegetable, according to a 2023 Center for Disease Control report. 

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 “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 daily, and 4) Increase awareness of our local farmer’s market’s variety and convenience.

This years’ “Kids Day at the Farmers Market” was the largest ever, with over 400 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, interaction w/fruit & vegetable vendors, and recipes/SNAP calendars were distributed.  All children who completed the scavenger hunt went home with vegetables for prizes. 

Impacts :

• 50% percent of the families had never visited the Beaver Dam Community farmer's market. 
• Over $5500 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.
• 80% indicated they would be visiting the Farmer’s Market again.

The problem

The educational program response

The participants/target audience

Other partners (if applicable)

Program impact or participant response.