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. 

In the third year, this program has existed in Bath County continues to produce significant results. Initially, the program focused on inviting children to the farmers market to participate in a taste testing kitchen, nutrition education lessons, physical activities, and a literacy program sponsored by the Bath County Memorial Library. With COVID Guidelines and expectations of safety for all, the program had to be adapted to ensure that. The taste testing portion had to be eliminated, but other focus areas where conducted. Grant and donation monies attained through various sources like the Department of Agriculture, St. Claire Health Systems, and Owingsville Elementary Youth Service Center assured supplies and resources were attained to provide a well rounded 2020 program.  

Each session was led by two of the three agents - FCS, 4-H and Youth Development, and Agriculture and Natural Resources. Each week the agents led the main lesson on some aspect of fruits or vegetables. The curriculum came from the National Farmers Market Coalition. 4-H Curriculum on the importance of Bees was taught. My Plate Curriculum was presented to emphasize healthy and balanced meal preparation. The Family Resource Center Coordinator partners led a physical activity session with the children. 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. We gave a total of $366 vouchers over the four weeks. We had a total of 27 kids participate this summer, or an average of 11 participants each week. 22 percent of participants came each week, 11 percent of participants came 3 out of 4 weeks, 37 percent of participants came 2 out of 4 weeks, and 29 percent of participants came 1 out of 4 weeks. Essentially, 70 percent of participants came more than one time to the farmers market, and 33 percent of participants came at least three out of 4 weeks.  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 fourth year.