We all know that farmers markets, or your own garden, are the best place to pick up fresh fruit and vegetables, but did you know you can learn a lot while at the market? Check in at the Union County Farmers Market information booth when you arrive, as the “Farmers Market Fresh” program has returned to the market.
This summer, in addition to picking up great peaches, corn, tomatoes, beans and more, you can also pick up some research-based knowledge. While we are unable to offer demonstrations and samples due to COVID-19, a representative of UT Extension/Union County will be at the market each week offering information on selecting, storing and preparing fresh fruit and vegetables.
The demonstrations will be posted on our Facebook page each week after the market and, the best part of the program: Each person will receive a recipe card and a kitchen utensil.
At the end of the eight-week program, customers could have eight brand new 2020 recipes featuring items fresh from the farmers market. If you have been picking up recipes from the market for a few years, you may have quite a collection.
“We intentionally picked recipes that would be easy to prepare,” states Dr. Janie Burney of UT Extension. “Summer in Tennessee can be hot. So, we selected recipes that did not involve using the stove or oven. We wanted foods that were cool, refreshing, and delicious.”
Thank you Dr. Burney. It just so happens that they are also kid-friendly so your children can help with the preparation and they are good for you!
Grown-ups are not the only ones who will enjoy a stop by the Farmers’ Market Fresh booth. The young ones are sure to enjoy the weekly children’s challenge.
“We are happy to be part of this program,” states Alyshia Victoria of UT Extension/Union County, adding, “Partnering with the farmers market is just a natural fit for our office given our focus on food preservation, cooking skills, and healthy eating.”
SNAP/EBT/Double-Up Programs: The Union County Farmers Market is all set up to accept your SNAP card and, if you swipe your SNAP card, you will receive up to $20, at absolutely no cost to you, from the Double Up program. While your SNAP card can be used to purchase your farm fresh milk, meat, eggs, even honey and maple syrup at the market, the Double Up bucks are distributed to encourage recipients to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.
WIC Farm Market Nutrition Program: WIC participants must be receiving WIC through a county participating in the program, like Knox, and, individual farmers are approved to accept WIC vouchers, not an entire market. A few of our farmers, like Seven Springs Farm and Thompson Farm are participating in this program and can accept vouchers.
Nourish Kids: We had great fun at the market on the third Saturday in July dispersing the Nourish Kids take-home kits. Kids received a tote bag and permanent markers with which they could color the totes, a tomato-tasting activity, and $5 in farm market bucks to spend on fresh produce. This program is offered on the third Saturday of each month. Children do need to register, but do not need to be present to participate, as it is take-home activity kits.
Market Celebrations: We enjoy celebrating our food and our community at the market; however, this year has been different. Due to the pandemic, our goal has been to provide our customers with access to the freshest possible farm products without encouraging folks to gather. Hence, our celebrations have been canceled. While our annual Youth and Corn Fest, scheduled for Saturday, August 8, has been canceled, the corn has not! Corn is being harvested right now and we still plan to promote the history of East Tennessee, which is so closely tied to corn. Follow us on Facebook for info on growing corn, and on August 8, we will have plenty of corn as well as additional vendors celebrating corn in unique fashions—including food and jewelry! We are also looking for volunteers to help make our 2021 Youth and Corn Fest a historic event.
For more information about programs at the Union County Farmers Market, please call the UT Extension/Union County office at 865-992-8038 or email bbergero@utk.edu. We’re looking forward to seeing you at the market!