The project I’m working with changed its name to Healthy Options just prior to its launch in early June.  We have issued 2 months of farmers’ market vouchers to our participating families.  One challenge is getting folks to come to market to pick them up, but with reminder texts, phone calls and eventually mailing vouchers, we had participation from 41 of 44 enrolled families in June.

The optional activities that are also part of the program have been quite successful.  They represent a lot of collaboration from college student interns and other community folks.   I enjoy my role as overall coordinator and participation in the different activities!

• Farm tours–Four participating families toured a fruit and vegetable farm that sells at market.  It was very neat to hear the interactions between participants and the farmer–lots of questions, and folks even taught the farmer the value of his purslane “weed.”  We head to a beef farm next Sunday.
• Gardening classes–Two sessions provided ideas and supplies for families who either have access to a garden or a place to put containers.
• Photography project–Fourteen participants have attended meetings to learn about taking photos illustrating their families’ food-related experiences and bringing their photos together to share.
• Cooking classes–Gettysburg College Campus Kitchen interns will lead a cooking class with seasonal produce this weekend for the first of these classes.
• Kids’ Days at market–Despite heat, lots of families showed up at market for kids’ activities and a great scavenger hunt that had kids interacting with farmers about their work.
• Health Fair at market–coming up this Friday.  I convinced a friend to make a smoothie bike, which we are thrilled to have make its public debut for the event! 🙂
• “Chat with the RD” at market–It’s been a challenge to find ways to engage casual shoppers at more than a very surface level, but with free samples and recipes, there have been some great opportunities to share ideas with folks.

It’s hard to believe we’re nearing the end of July!   While the activities will be wrapping up in the next several weeks, folks will continue to receive vouchers through September.