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Learning about the Power of Produce at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market

May 31, 2016 By marketeditor

By Jeremy Riccardi

Denison Farm Strawberries
Denison Farm Strawberries

One of the best ways for children to develop healthy eating habits is to discover where their food comes from. Beginning this month, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market’s farmers, summer interns, and volunteers will help make that journey of discovery possible.

The farmers’ market is introducing its Power of Produce Club at its summer Wednesday afternoon markets. Children who join the club, also known as the POP Club, will receive a passport, a $2 POP token to spend on fresh produce, and a variety of educational tips on fresh, flavorful eating. Market staff will stamp the passport each time a child visits the market, and award prizes for every four stamps that a child receives.

The goal of the POP Club is to encourage children and families to learn about healthy eating during the more relaxed atmosphere of the Wednesday market. The tokens that children receive can be spent on fresh fruits and vegetables.

“The purpose is to empower children to make smart and healthy shopping choices independently,” said market director Julia Howard. “Education is the bridge between healthy eating habits and understanding where food comes from.”

Veggies at the Saratoga Farmers' Market
Photo by Pattie Garrett

Children between the ages of five and 12 can participate in the POP Club. The weekly educational activities will include conversations with farmers about the local food system, games, and samples of different kinds of produce. “Children will have the chance to sample fruits and vegetables that they might never have tried before,” Howard said.

Hosts for the POP Club include Diane Whitten, a nutritionist with Cornell Cooperative Extension, Saratoga Farmers’ Market summer interns Sarah Morin and Carolyn Shapiro, and Serendipity Arts Studio, among others.

The POP Club is part of a national initiative. It originated at a farmers market in Oregon City, OR. It is offered through the national Farmers’ Market Coalition, of which the Saratoga Farmers’ Market is a part. Currently, about 50 markets nationwide participate in the program.

Howard sees the program as a way of establishing stronger community ties between the farmers’ market, local businesses, community organizations, and residents. The POP Club will run through the summer market, and children are welcome to join at any time.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market takes place from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through October at High Rock Park. Inquiries about the POP Club and other market events may be made at “the shed,” located near the south pavilions right by the restrooms.


 

Homemade POPsiclesPOPsicles with Fresh Strawberries and Blueberry Yogurt

Adapted from Lisa Longley’s recipe for Strawberry Blueberry Yogurt Pops

Makes 12 pops

This easy to make snack may also be a fun activity for you and your child to make together. The possibilities are endless when you use seasonal fresh fruit from the farmers’ market and locally made yogurt. The farmers’ market offers a variety of yogurt including Greek, plain, and an array flavors. Greek yogurt and plain yogurt may be sweetened with local honey. Fruit may be blended for a smooth popsicle or chopped for a textured popsicle

Ingredients
*Seasonal ingredients currently available at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market

• Blueberry yogurt *
• Strawberries, sliced thin or diced *

Additional supplies

• 3-5oz. Paper cups
• Popsicle sticks cut in half

Directions

Place a heaping spoonful of blueberry yogurt in the bottom of a small paper cup. Then add a layer of strawberries and top with another heaping spoonful of blueberry yogurt. Place another sliced (or diced) strawberry with a slit down the middle that conveniently holds the popsicle stick in place, and top off with a little more yogurt. Place the cups in a mini muffin tin to hold them all upright, and freeze overnight.

Filed Under: Featured Article, News, Seasonal Recipes Tagged With: POP Club, Saratoga Farmers' Market Recipes

Reader Interactions

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We are honored to be nominated as one of the Best We are honored to be nominated as one of the Best Farmers’ Markets in the Capital Region for the Times Union’s Best of 2021! Thank you to all of our amazing customers and community for your continued support! You can vote for us daily under the category “Goods & Services” using this link: https://www.timesunion.com/bestof2021/ 
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#timesunionbestof2021 #timesunionbestof #saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket 
#supportlocal #shoplocal #saratogany #saratogasprings
Starting off the week with another MCM (Market Cru Starting off the week with another MCM (Market Crush Monday!) This week we talked to Kim from Mugzy’s Barkery who brings healthy, locally made dog treats to the market. 
 
1. How did Mugzy’s Barkery get started? 
My sister Jaime started the business just over 5 years ago to have a healthier treat option to give her beloved Olde English Bulldog, Mugzy. Our treats are all natural and organic, providing a healthy alternative to mass-produced treats for caring dog parents. 
 
 2. What’s your favorite part about vending at the market?
Definitely getting to see all the dogs! The funny thing is I know all our regular customer’s dogs by name, not the owners. 
 
3. What are your most popular treat flavors?
Pumpkin paws (grain-free biscuits) and the pupcakes (a bite-sized treat) are really popular with the dogs but we also have flavors like PB cookie cups, apple cheddar training treats, banana buddies and more, so something to fit any pup’s tastes!
 
The PB cookie cups have been tried and approved by our market assistant’s dog, Lacey! 
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#saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket #saratoga #upstateny #shoplocal #saratogadog #farmersmarketfresh #mugzysbarkery #dogtreats #healthydogtreats
No need for an international flight when you can j No need for an international flight when you can journey around the world at the market! 🌍 Between Italian, Mediterranean, and Ukrainian, our vendors bring some of their best home cuisines to the market.
 
Have you tried My Dacha's Ukrainian food yet? Choose from lots of delicious options like pierogies, stuffed cabbage, kielbasa, or opt for sweet crepes. 🥟🤤 (If you've tried their food, what's your favorite?!)

We're open this Saturday, 9:30am - 1:30pm at the Wilton Mall food court!
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#farmersmarket #saratogafarmersmarket #saratogasprings #food #ukrainian #pierogies
When the food court sun hits the product just righ When the food court sun hits the product just right... 👌 Don't forget our online preorder deadline is TONIGHT at 9pm for pickup this Saturday! Give some love to your gut and grab a bottle of @junbucha365 online or at the market.
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#saratogafarmersmarket #junbucha #kombucha #probiotics #loveyourgut #farmersmarket #onlinepreordering #curbsidepickup #saratoga #saratogasprings

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