As Saratoga-area children anticipate their last day of school, the first question on many parents’ minds is, “What are we going to do all summer?” The Saratoga Farmers’ Market’s Power of Produce Club offers children and families a free and easy answer to that question.
Power of Produce Club (also known as POP Club) is a 12-week program that begins next Wednesday, June 21, and runs through the first week of September. It takes place each Wednesday, 3-6 p.m., at the farmers’ market and gives both children and their parents a chance to learn about local foods and farming hands-on.
Each time participants visit POP Club at the Wednesday market, they will receive a $2 POP coin that kids can use to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from a farmer. The coins are geared toward children between the ages of 5 and 12. In addition, children will receive a stamp on a POP passport. After receiving four stamps, children will be eligible for a prize.
The project aims to help children see how food and farming are intrinsically connected to strengthening community ties. By buying produce from our vendors, children form what might turn into lifelong relationships with local farmers. At the same time, children gain basic money skills and participate in weekly activities that offer a sense of how to enjoy local produce when it is at its finest.
Power of Produce Club is made possible by support from The Christopher Dailey Foundation. In addition, educational activities are being organized by numerous community partners like The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios, Little Wings Farm School, Saratoga Springs Public Library, and more.
The first event occurs next Wednesday, June 21, with a 45-min family-friendly opera of Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant presented by Opera Saratoga. Free activities will be provided, and market interns will serve fruit and yogurt cones (with dairy-free & gluten-free options). Children get the first stamp in their POP Passport, a $2 POP coin, and a free apron from SNAP-Ed NY.
POP Club’s annual End of School Celebration will be held the following Wednesday, June 28, with a concert by Jack & Steve Zucchini sponsored by Stewart’s Shops! There will be free, fun activities and food tastings hosted by the Saratoga Springs Public Library, The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, and Saratoga Farmers’ Market interns.
The Saratoga Farmers Market is 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturdays in the food court of the Wilton Mall. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for previews of what’s fresh.
