Describe the Issue or Situation.

Many residents of Hardin County struggle to incorporate enough fresh fruits and vegetables into their diets, despite having access to locally grown produce at the Hardin County Farmers’ Market. Shoppers often lack ideas for how to prepare unfamiliar produce or are unsure of how to use fresh ingredients in healthy meals. At the same time, the Farmers’ Market seeks to increase customer traffic and sales for local vendors. To address both the community’s need for nutrition education and the market’s goal of supporting local agriculture, a partnership was formed between the Hardin County Farmers’ Market, the Hardin County Cooperative Extension Service, and the Lincoln Trail Area Master Gardeners. This collaboration aims to encourage healthier eating habits and increase produce sales through hands-on recipe tastings, educational outreach, and strategic social media promotion.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

The twelve-year collaboration continues between the Hardin County Farmers’ Market, the Hardin County Cooperative Extension Service and the Lincoln Trail Area Master Gardeners.

 The Master Gardeners provide samples, recipes and information to the shoppers at the Hardin County Farmer’s Market two times a month June through September. The Master Gardeners prepare two recipes from the Kentucky Proud Plate It Up! Series.  Pass out samples to the patrons of the Market, encouraging vegetable and fruit purchases.

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

Each month 500-700 people try the proffered samples.  Participants purchase the ingredients from the recipes that are sampled so that most days the vendors sell out of the items in the recipes.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

With each successive month, the participation increases!  To date the market has doubled the number of shoppers as well as increased their sales 36% on days that the program happens.  Most tasters (about 86%) show an interest in eating more fruits and vegetables.  

 Master Gardeners have donated 870 hours to this project. This includes sample preparation, training for Sampling Certificate, and talking to everyone at the Farmer's Market about the recipes they prepared.