PORT TOWNSEND — The Jefferson County Farmers Market Association has been awarded a $7,000 grant from the First Federal Community Foundation for the inaugural operational year of the Power of Produce Club.
The club will offer opportunities at the Chimacum and Port Townsend farmers markets for children from ages 5 to 12 to learn about local food systems.
The club’s kick off is slated for the opening days of the 2018 Chimacum Farmers Market on June 3 and Port Townsend Wednesday Farmers Market on June 13.
Club activities will include planting seeds, learning how plants grow, storytime, tasting locally grown fruits and vegetables, and using food as materials for craft-making.
Weekly club activities will be hosted by a rotating group of community partners including the Port Townsend and Jefferson County libraries, Organic Seed Alliance and YMCA, as well as market managers.
After completing weekly activities, club participants will receive $2 vouchers — named POP Bucks — to purchase fresh fruit and veggies from local farms.
“We are excited about the POP Club’s potential to educate children about the fresh, nutritious foods available from local sources,” said Karen McCormick, First Federal Community Foundation executive director.
This addition adds the Jefferson County Farmers Markets to a growing list of nationwide farmers markets that are starting weekly children’s clubs, the market association said in a news release.
Additional community support is sought by the market association to ensure the club is an ongoing market program and that sufficient funds are available to provide POP Bucks to participating children.
To contribute or inquire about business sponsorship, contact Amanda Milholland, Port Townsend market director, at 360-379-9098 or info@jcfmarkets.org.
