Over the past several years eating out has become a way of life and cooking at home almost seems to be a lost art. It is well known that eating out; particularly fast food; on a regular basis can increase risk for weight gain and obesity as well as limits access to nutrient rich foods such as fruits and vegetables.  According to Kentucky Health Facts (BRFSS), 71% of Christian County residents have a BMI score placing them in either the overweight or obese categories and only 9% of Christian County residents are consuming the recommended 5 vegetables and fruits per day. In order to address this serious and timely issue the Christian County Extension Office and Hopkinsville Downtown Farmers Market collaborated to present a new series called “Local Taught-Market Bought.”

 “Local Taught-Market Bought” is a Farmers Market on-site cooking demonstration series presented by local celebrities who are chefs by trade or practice culinary art for fun!  Ten free demonstrations were done over a five month period running from May 29^th to October 9^th. Each of the local celebrity chefs demonstrated PlateItUp Kentucky Proud recipes using local, in-season produce from the Farmers Market.  Those in attendance at the live demonstrations were given free samples as well as recipe cards. They were also given the opportunity to purchase meal boxes filled with fresh produce needed to make the recipe at home. For those who were unable to attend the live presentation the recipes and Facebook Live videos were available on the Farmers Market Facebook page.

The “Local Taught-Market Bought” Farmers Market series was a great success! We received positive feedback from community members who enjoyed getting to visit the market and sample new recipes. Many participants shared that they enjoyed being able to go home and reproduce the recipe that they had watched demonstrated. The Farmers Market received an increase in patrons on demonstration days as individuals came to see certain local celebrities.  The feedback was so positive that another local celebrity series is in the works for the upcoming Farmers Market season.