Youngsters peddle local merchandise in public marketplaces
In the heart of Winona, the weekly farmers market continues to be a vibrant hub for the community, particularly for its youngest members. The "Power of Produce Club" (PoP Club) has been a cherished annual event, welcoming children aged 4 to 12 to engage in a unique learning experience.
Through the PoP Club, each child receives $2 vouchers every week to buy fresh fruits and vegetables from local growers. This initiative encourages children to experiment with new produce and stock up on favourites, fostering healthy eating habits.
The PoP Club offers a wealth of learning opportunities. Children learn financial literacy by managing their vouchers to purchase goods, decision-making skills by choosing among various fruits, vegetables, and food-producing plants, and social interaction skills by engaging with vendors and other market-goers.
Moreover, the PoP Club nurtures a greater appreciation for local agriculture and community involvement. By selling or buying fresh produce, children gain practical skills in budgeting, choice-making, and nutrition awareness.
This year, a total of 30 kindergartens with over 800 children participated in the market event. The proceeds from the event will go directly to the respective kindergartens, and next year, elementary school children will also be able to join in the fun.
During the event, the children run their own stand, selling local fruits and vegetables. The market office has confirmed that this action will continue next year, making it an annual tradition.
This Friday, the children will be vendors at the market, which will take place in front of the Old Town Hall. It's the last time the event occurs this year, but the children will undoubtedly carry the lessons they've learned—about math, regional food knowledge, and community involvement—with them long after the market closes.
- Beyond the farmers market's contribution to healthy eating habits, the PoP Club initiative also promotes education-and-self-development, teaching children financial literacy, decision-making skills, and social interaction through managing vouchers, choosing produce, and engaging with vendors.
- By participating in the PoP Club and running their own stand at the farmers market, children are gaining not only a lifestyle shaped around local agriculture but also an appreciation for education-and-self-development, as they learn about budgeting, choice-making, and community involvement.
