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 third year this program, even though limited by Covid-19 restrictions, continues to provide significant results in Bath County.  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. Funding for this year's program was acquired through the 4H foundation, Bath County Family Resource Centers and St. Clair Medical Center.  The growing support outlines how successful the program has been in the community.

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. 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.  

Even though we had to limit participation to 4 sessions, the program was still able to provide a total of $366 in 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.

We began with $1650 in grants earned (thanks to a 4-H matching grant, money from Michele Johnson, and money from St. Claire Medical Center).

 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 in an extended form next year.