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Engaging Youth as Consumers at Farmers’ Market

4-H and Youth Programming

Amanda Bennett
Ext. Educ., ANR
Ohio State University Extension
Troy

Abstract

Farmers markets can be an exciting social event in a community and provide a tool to teach about local agriculture. A Junior Farmers Market was conducted 13 times in two counties for elementary students. The goal of the grant-funded markets was to provide opportunities for youth to make healthy food choices, try new vegetables, be introduced to shopping at farmers markets, encourage healthy purchasing habits and make connections with local producers. The markets were located on school grounds and attempted to replicate the atmosphere of a traditional farmers market. The youth interacted with local farmers at stations where fresh produce was available to “purchase” with wooden market coins. Partner agencies presented topics such as encouraging healthy drinks, hands-on activities for youth to explore where their food comes from and tasting new vegetables.

All programs were evaluated via surveys completed by the student, teachers, and parents. At one site a formal student evaluation was gathered utilizing a web-based survey administered to the students (n=137). Results of the survey showed 81% of the students ate produce purchased from the market and 58% stated they were excited about eating fruits and vegetables since participating in the Farmers Market and nearly 76% tried a new food at the market. Sixty-one percent responded they plan to attend a local farmer's market. An additional teacher survey revealed 100% agreed the program was a valuable tool in strengthening curriculum and one commented the event was a "great opportunity to promote agriculture in Ohio."

Authors: Amanda Bennett, Marcus McCartney, Amanda Bohlen, Alisha Barton
  1. Amanda Bennett Ext. Educ., ANR, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45373-3239
  2. Marcus McCartney Ext., Educ., ANR, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45750
  3. Amanda Bohlen Ext., Educ., FCS, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45750
  4. Alisha Barton Ext., Educ., FCS, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45373