Local Farmers Markets play a key role in the local food system by providing access to fresh and nutritious fruits, vegetables, eggs, and other locally produced goods. The local markets often fill the void in low economic areas, providing these high quality items to all socioeconomic classes.
Knox County Extension Office collaborated with the Knox County Farmers’ Market and Knox County Health Department providing promotion and education to seniors on the importance of fruits and vegetables in the diet, food demonstrations and taste testing on how to select and prepare fruits and vegetables and provided sign-ups for Senior Farmer Market Nutrition Program Vouchers made available thru KDA.
Follow up discussions with senior participants found that 100% have tried one or more new fresh products from the market purchased with their vouchers; 85% have increased fresh fruits and vegetables into their diet and 80% have tried new ways to prepare fruits and vegetables. The redemption rate of Senior Farmer Market Nutrition Program Vouchers was 84.42%. Through the Senior Farmer Market Nutrition Program Vouchers over $1,600 worth of fresh fruits and vegetables were purchased.