Fresh local produce was not easily accessible for many Knox County residents before the implementation of the Knox County Farmers’ Market in 2014. However, with the opening of the Farmers’ Market, fresh, local produce is now more readily available for the residents of Knox County. The Knox County Cooperative Extension Service Family and Consumer Sciences Program worked with the Knox County Farmers’ Market to set up a booth at the farmers’ market to offer Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud recipe samples to market patrons. Many taste-testers commented that without these samples they were not inclined to try certain varieties of produce, but because of these samples, the farmers’ market patrons were more motivated to try new varieties of produce. 

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 Woman, Infant, and Children Farmer Market Nutrition Program Vouchers and Senior Farmer Market Nutrition Program Vouchers made available through KDA as well as Double Dollars made available through CFA.

Follow up discussions with senior participants found that 100% have tried one or more new fresh products from the market purchased with their vouchers; 92% 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 _________% (to be added once determined at the end of the season). Through these programs, over $5,000 worth of fresh fruits and vegetables were purchased.