Power of Produce At the Bath County Farmers Market

According to the Kentucky Kids Project report from 2016, 24.2 percent of youth in Bath County lived in food insecure homes. Also, Kentucky is currently the 12th highest adult obesity rate in the nation, according to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. 15.6 percent of adolescents were overweight, whereas 17.6 percent were obese. In addition to this information, the study conducted a survey to see how much fruit and vegetable children consumed the previous seven days. Of those surveyed, only 24.8 percent ate fruits twice or more each day, and only 10.9 percent ate vegetables three times or more each day. 

The second year this program has existed in Bath County produced significant results.  This program focused on inviting children to the farmers market to participate in a taste kitchen, nutrition education lessons, physical activities, and a literacy program sponsored by the Bath County Memorial Library. The FCS Agent gained additional grant funds from the Family and Consumer Sciences Extension department through the University of Kentucky. She also planned the activities for the six sessions hosted by the Bath County Extension Office. 

Each session was led by one of the three agents - FCS, 4-H and Youth Development, and Agriculture and Natural Resources. Each week the agent led the main lesson on some aspect of fruits or vegetables. Curriculum came from the National Farmers Market Coalition. The agent or the Family Resource Center Coordinator partners led a physical activity session with the children.  The participants learned about nutrition education with Bath County's SNAP-Ed Assistant, hired through Kentucky State University, through various activities. Our SNAP-Ed Assistant also led one session during the summer this year. Bath County Memorial Library's Book Mobile attended each session and brought books and other activities that focused on fruits and vegetables. 

Participants were able to earn up to six dollars each session.  Throughout the six sessions, there was an average of 25 participants per session. Participants increased redemption rates from last year by 100 percent. This year’s numbers included over 200 participants throughout the duration of the program, an increase of 110 percent from last year. Parents and participants were excited to visit the farmers market each week. Many stated their children loved to cook with the fruits and vegetables bought at the farmers market. Half of the participants returned from last year, and others said they would not have come to the farmers market if it was not for this program.  

Bath County Extension, along with the community partners, looks to continue this program for a third year.