According to the USDA, fruit and vegetable consumption has fallen from 299 pounds per person in 2003 to 272 pounds per person in 2013. Although community members understand the importance of consuming more fruits and vegetables, access can be difficult. The Breathitt County Farmers Market is an excellent resource for attaining fresh local produce.
Breathitt County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, in partnership with county Extension Agents and staff, Robinson Center for Appalachian Resource Sustainability (RCARS) staff, local farmers and the local Farmer’s Market Board, hosted monthly Lunch at The Market events during peak growing seasons. Lunches were prepared using local fruits and vegetables. This effort enabled community members to try new fruits and vegetables and then also allowed them the opportunity to purchase said items from growers at the same time/location. Two Lunch at The Market events took place during the months of July and August.
An average of 260 Breathitt County citizens participated in the Lunch at The Market events. Participants were provided with a lunch prepared with local fruits and vegetables, provided with Plate-It-Up recipe cards and nutrition information and provided the opportunity to purchase produce from local growers before leaving the event.
The Lunch at The Market events were highly successful! 100% of farmers that participated in the event, indicated an increase of sales each time the program took place. Community members indicated that they frequented the Farmer’s Market numerous times after visiting during the Lunch at The Market program. Community participants also indicated an increase in knowledge of accessible fruits and vegetables at the local Farmer’s Market. “I didn’t realize I could purchase so many different items at our local Farmer’s Market,” stated a female Lunch at The Market participant. Lunch at The Market is an event the community now enjoys and expects.