The poor health & wellness of youth in Kentucky, is a growing epidemic. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kentucky’s youth have the fifth highest obesity rate in the U.S. Children who are obese, are more likely to be obese as adults, thus, they are at increased risk for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, cancer and osteoarthristis.

      To combat this problem, the Ohio County Cooperative Extension Service, Ohio County Healthcare and Beaver Dam Community Farmer’s Market, collaborate to provide a “Children’s Farmer’s Market Day”. The goals for this event are: 

1. Emphasize the relationship of “Farm to Table” 
2. Families develop a relationship with the producers/vendors
3. Increase youth’s consumption of fruits and vegetables
4. Stress the importance of eating a variety of colors in fruits and vegetables
5. Increased awareness of the local Farmer’s Market

      These goals were accomplished thru a variety of activities for youth and families, such as the fruit/vegetable scavenger hunt, where the youth visited with vendors to identify specific fruits/vegetables. The youth were then given vegetable samples to take home. Recipes cards were provided to the families so they could prepare the vegetables, with the youth at home.

      Another activity involved the youth completing a “Meet the Farmer” questionnaire, where the youth interviewed vendors to learn how the vendors’ produced their products. The youth also assembled color-beaded wrist bands, which reminded the youth to eat an assortment of colors of fruits and vegetables. A variety of other educational activities were provided for the youth, as well.

      This was the 5^th year for the “Children’s Farmer’s Market Day” and experienced a hugh turnout, with almost 500 youth/ adults attending, including 41 Hispanics. 

      A survey of participants showed the following results:

         * 38% of the families were visiting the Farmer’s Market for the first time.

         * 95% of families prepared fresh fruits and vegetables for meals most of the time, but, only 44% prepared fresh  fruits or vegetables for every meal .  

         * 98% of participants surveyed indicated they would be returning to the Farmer's Market for their fresh fruits and vegetables.