Mary Rutan Foundation is excited and honored to, once again, support the Power of Produce (PoP) Club at Logan County Farmers’ Markets.
Since the club’s introduction in 2011, the foundation has granted dollars to the markets, specifically for this program, so that youth who attend are incentivized with tokens to purchase healthy foods from among the many market vendors.
“Local kids who join the PoP Club look forward to each weekly market. The two-dollar tokens, earned simply by visiting the market, are sometimes spent eagerly each week, or saved to make a larger purchase later in the season,” shared Tammy Allison, Mary Rutan Foundation, chief operating officer.
“Regardless, it’s exciting to see young ones learn about and occasionally sample different fruits and vegetables. Locally made honey was recently added to the list of options kids may purchase. While addictively sweet, natural honey offers many health benefits.”
The Bellefontaine market, located in the parking lot across from the post office, is open Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
The Indian Lake Farmer’s Market offers Friday evening hours 5 to 7 p.m. in parking lot of Community Market and Lakeview Hardware between Russells Point and Indian Lake.
In supporting the farmers’ market, the Foundation puts it mission of being committed to the health and wellness of the community to work.
According to a survey conducted by the University of Minnesota, 67 percent of kids who participate in a PoP Club eat more fruits and vegetables. The PoP Club also entices parents to visit the markets more often in turn benefitting the local, small farmer. Not to mention further knitting a community together for a common purpose.
“The Logan County Food System Initiative is very thankful for the continued support of the Mary Rutan Foundation, which helps the Logan County (Downtown) and Indian Lake Farmers’ Markets operate all summer long,” stated Alexis Zaborniak, market manager.
“Getting kiddos involved in making health and financial decisions is an important task and we are happy to be a piece in that puzzle. Getting to create and promote activities and see the joyful faces of the children and their families involved in the Power of Produce Program is an added bonus.”
For information about Mary Rutan Foundation and its scholarship programs, visit the website www.maryrutan.org/foundation or call (937) 599-7003.