The Taylor County Farmers' Market reached out to the horticulture agent when she first arrived at Taylor County last October. They requested that she help them increase the number of people who purchased from the market as well as the number of vendors. She had been told that several years ago the market had a health fair and many people took part in it. Promoting healthy eating habits and lifestyles is very important to individuals and a community as a whole, so the horticulture agent reached out to our local health department for help. 

     On the day of the health fair there were seven booths beside the two produce vendors, which were set up by individuals from the local nursing home, Anthem, the health department, and the Taylor County Cooperative Extension Office FSA, EFNEP, and Horticulture. A total of 55 participants took part in the blood pressure readings, BMI, Dermascan Screening, etc. services offered at several of the booths. Recipe samples were also given out for people to taste. Each participant was responsible for getting their tickets marked at each of the seven booths, and completing the survey at the bottom to eligible for the donated door prizes.

     There were a total of three questions on the survey. The first question asked the participants if they had learned anything at the health fair. 91% said yes. The second question asked if the participants were more likely in the future to use more fruits and vegetables in meals that they will make for themselves and / or their family. 93% said yes. The last question asked what changes could be made to improve the Farmers' Market Health Fair if we were to have another one next year. Most of the responses asked for more vendors. The promotion of the health fair interested a local producer who has not participated in the market for a few years to sell on that day. I also gave the PBPT to a producer who plans to join the market in September after she heard about the health fair.

     My hopes are for this program / event to have a long-term outcome. Hopefully promoting healthy lifestyles and providing yearly free services and information will help individuals monitor their health and help them live healthier lives. Statistical records should mirror this result if it becomes a reality.