Farmers Market Fresh volunteers and visitors
At the beginning of August, UT Extension kicked off its Farmers’ Market Fresh program at the Johnson City Farmers Market on Wednesday mornings and on Saturday mornings at the Jonesborough Farmers’ Market. Farmers’ Market Fresh is a pilot program that is funded by the USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The objectives of the program is to: 1) Promote fresh fruits and vegetables purchasing at farmers’ markets accepting EBT; and, 2) Create an environment of health/wellness at the farmers markets through nutrition education booths.
Samples of squash pasta salad
Each week at the farmers’ market a new recipe is showcased to individuals to show them how to use and create a dish with that commodity. Such commodities that are showcased are: tomatoes, corn, green beans, blueberries, apples, peppers, cantaloupe, etc. Individuals not only receive a recipe card for that commodity but will also be given an incentive item each week they visit. Also, we cannot forget the youth since they can make a big influence on what is purchased for meals. Each week they get a card that they have their parents sign showing that they have purchased, tried, and create a dish with that specific commodity. They then bring the card back the following week to receive a prize for their efforts!
You can visit the booths weekly up until September 26, 2015 when the last day of the program is complete for the season.