Kids Market @ the Store is a program created by the West Virginia University Extension Family Nutrition Program that allows children to “shop” for free fruits and vegetables at retail locations in their counties.
Braxton County’s Kids Market @ The Store program launched on July 1 and will run through August 9 with 116 families signed up. Enrollment for 2024 is now closed.
The program is open to children between the ages of 2 and 17. Each child receives $20 in tokens to “purchase” produce from dedicated Kids Market display stands inside participating stores, a market bag, a Kids Market “passport” and a copy of “I Love Vegetables,” a family-friendly booklet explaining the process of buying, storing, and cooking fresh fruits and vegetables.
Freedom Ag and Energy in Gassaway is serving as Braxton County’s Kids Market @ The Store location. Local growers J&S Farms, operated by Jason and Sarah Rexroad, are providing fresh produce for the stand.
“The program has been successful in encouraging children to eat more fruits and vegetables. Evidence has shown that, if you let kids choose their own fruits and vegetables, they are more likely to eat them,” said Aine Slabaugh, Braxton County’s Family Nutrition Program nutrition outreach instruction.
As children shop and choose new fruits and vegetables, parents can put a sticker in the child’s Kids Market passport to keep track of which foods they’ve tried. At the end of the program, families can mail their passports back for various WVU-themed prizes like vegetable peelers or cutting boards. Participating families also receive a weekly email newsletter notifying them which fruits and vegetables will be available.
The Family Nutrition Program also provides families with the opportunity for free nutrition classes. from the Family Nutrition Program and receive.
Kids Market @ The Store started as a pilot program in 2021, serving two West Virginia counties. This year, the program has expanded to 35 counties. Local farmers have also benefited from this program, receiving over $80,000 for their fresh fruits and vegetables.
Please reach out to WVU Extension Nutrition Outreach Instructor, Aine Slabaugh at [email protected] for any questions or requests for further details.
Follow us on Facebook at @WVU.Braxton.County.Extension and @wvu.fnp.
WVU Extension Family Nutrition Program’s work is supported by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
Devoted to Braxton County, West Virginia