The sun is just peeking through the trees at Martin Elementary in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Teachers greet school buses as they rumble to the school’s front door. In the parking lot, frazzled moms tug bleary-eyed kindergarteners from minivans.
And over by the playground, Rt. 18 Farm Market co-owner Angie Brake has already filled long folding tables with fresh squash, corn, cabbages, cauliflower and more. Most of these fruits and vegetables were grown at Brake’s farm in Gilmer County. It’s a full-on farmers’ market right by the monkey bars.
The West Virginia University Extension Family Nutrition Program hosts these pop-up kids markets at schools throughout West Virginia. The idea behind the program is simple — give kids more autonomy in choosing the foods they eat, and they will be more likely to try new things.
At Martin Elementary, FNP health educator Sara Dunn and nutrition outreach instructor Charlene Villers were on hand to teach students about the fruits and vegetables available. Brake was there to supply the produce but also to answer any questions students might have about the growing process.
“A lot of them know their cucumbers, or their carrots or the fruit,” Brake said. “But it’s kind of nice to see them want to try new things and pick out something different.”
But the markets aren’t only beneficial for kids. They’re good for farmers, too.
Growers who supply these markets are paid for every tomato, cucumber, and pepper they provide. Over the last five years, Family Nutrition Program food access initiatives have leveraged over $2 million in grant money to put directly in farmers’ pockets.
Those initiatives include pop-up kids markets as well as Kids Market @ the Store, a spinoff program that allows kids to shop for fresh produce at displays inside local retailers. Growers also provide food for FARMacy, a program geared toward people living with chronic diseases that can be treated with diet and lifestyle changes.
“Local growers are essential to these programs. Having access to fresh fruits and vegetables goes a long way to helping people change their eating habits,” said Kristin McCartney, associate professor, public health specialist, and WV SNAP-Ed coordinator. “But it’s a win-win. Participants get free produce, and farmers get a reliable new market where they can sell the food they grow.”
Source: wvu.edu