This past fall, WV Harvest had the privilege of collaborating with Kanawha County Schools to bring fresh, local produce to elementary students across the county in an engaging and fun way. We hosted interactive farmers markets at nine schools, giving students the opportunity to explore fresh fruits and vegetables from West Virginia farmers, along with produce from the Mid-Atlantic region.
Each student received a tote bag specially designed to be filled with featured produce items from the market. Each produce item included a description along with information about the farm it came from, offering an educational experience alongside the excitement of shopping at a real farmers market.
In addition to the produce, students were given coloring posters that featured fun facts about West Virginia, as well as information about how agriculture can contribute to making the state a food hub for jobs and innovation. The vibrant and interactive displays, including farm animal blow-ups and face cut-out displays, helped create an exciting atmosphere that encouraged curiosity about fresh produce and healthy eating.
Over 2,800 students participated in these markets, and WV Harvest was honored to play a role in making these events both memorable and educational. These farmers markets not only provided fresh, nutritious foods for students but also helped promote the importance of supporting local agriculture and cultivating healthy eating habits.
A big thank you to Kanawha County Schools for partnering with us to make these fun, food-promoting events a success!
