By Julia Howard, Market Administrator
As school ends for the year, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market invites children and families to celebrate summer. On Wednesday, June 21, we’ll host our End of School Celebration and kick off our second annual Power of Produce Club at the market from 3-6 p.m.
What does all of this mean? A lot of fun along with a great opportunity for children to learn how to make healthy food choices while also learning more about the farmers that grow the fruits and vegetables they eat.
The Power of Produce began in 2011 at a farmers’ market in Oregon City, Oregon, with a goal of improving that community’s health. We brought the concept to Saratoga last year and are pleased to be offering it again this year with support from the Christopher Dailey Foundation and the Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs.
The Power of Produce Club (also known as the POP Club), is a free, 12 week program geared toward children ages 5-12. It will take place at our Wednesday markets from 3-6 p.m. Children who attend receive a POP Passport and a $2 POP token that they can use to purchase fresh fruit or vegetables. Each week, the club will offer such activities as cooking demonstrations and scavenger hunts. Children will be able to collect a stamp on their POP Passport each time they participate, and will receive a prize for every four stamps they collect.
Program participants include American Farmland Trust, Cornell Cooperative Extension: Food & Nutrition, Saratoga Springs Public Library, Northeast Parent & Child Society, Chef Dan Spitz, Malta Ridge Orchard & Gardens, and the Agricultural Stewardship Association, among others.
Music by the Zucchini Brothers, Balloon Gal Jenny, and representatives from the Northeast Parent & Child Society, Cornell Cooperative’s Master Gardeners, and Saratoga County Foster Care will kick off this year’s POP Club. Children can visit for the club at its location across from the green market information booth. The opening week’s activity is to make fruit and yogurt ice cream cones along with an educational exercise on healthy snack options and portions.
Last year, about 40 children took part in the program each week. We look forward to an even larger crowd this year.
The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at High Rock Park. Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Fresh Fruit and Yogurt Cones
Adapted from recipe on www.cookingmamas.com
Ingredients
*Ingredients currently available at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market
• fresh fruit*
• Vanilla yogurt* (maple, honey can be found at the farmers’ market)
• Waffle cone, waffle bowl, or homemade waffle
Directions
1. Fill a waffle cone with a spoon full of vanilla yogurt, then a layer of mixed fruit. Add another spoonful of yogurt, then top it off with fruit. Enjoy!
2. Fruit suggestions: Strawberries*, mango, blueberries, kiwi, apple chunks*, or whatever you have on hand.
