Power of Produce Club returns to farmers market

The popular Power of Produce Club, a children’s program offered for the first time last year at the farmers market in Hayden, is underway again for the summer.

Offered by the Inland Northwest Food Network, in cooperation with the Kootenai County Farmers Market, the Power of Produce, or PoP, Club encourages kids to make healthy food choices by empowering them to “shop” at the farmers market. The PoP Club is free to all kids ages 5 to 12.

Each week, club members are given a token worth $2 to spend at designated PoP Club Farmer Vendor booths on a fresh fruit, vegetable or plant. In addition, a PoP Club activity booth offers fun, hands-on activities to teach kids how to grow and cook food.

“The program was designed to teach children about fruits and vegetables, local food systems and healthy food preparation through fun activities,” said Carol Behrens, PoP coordinator for the Inland Northwest Food Network. “The hands-on experience of growing and preparing healthy food can nurture a child’s sense of purpose and wonder.”

Inspiration for the PoP Club came from the Oregon City Farmers Market, now in its eighth year. Today, farmers markets across the country have adopted the program that benefits children and farmers alike.

The PoP Club will be held weekly through Sept. 1 at the Hayden Farmers Market.

Financial support for the program comes from Kootenai Health, Panhandle Health and Bay Shores Systems. Additional donations are still needed. Contact the Inland Northwest Food Network at 208-546-9366 for more info.