The West Virginia University Extension Family Nutrition Program has introduced a new program, Kids Market @ The Store. Participating families receive a market bag, “passport,” and special tokens worth $30 that children can spend on produce.
Before expanding to 15 counties, this new program launched in only two areas last year. The pilot program began in Wirt and Calhoun counties.
According to a recent press release, over 3,300 children signed up for the Kids Market @ The Store program. The press release further states that this number is more than double the anticipated number of participants. The program has received funding for 100 families and hopes to Garner additional funding.
Each child receives a passport where they will be able to track which fruits and veggies they have tried. They also get a bag to carry their purchases. Each week, participating retailers stock a designated stand with available produce. Kids then pick out what they want and use their tokens to pay for the purchase. Store staff will then place a sticker in the passport. At the end of the program, children can mail in their passports for WVU-branded prizes.
Children in Summers County who participated in the Kids Market @ The Store program have three locations to shop. Sprouting Farms in Talcott and both Adams Gotta Stop locations are participating.
For more information about the new program, email ext-fnp@mail.wvu.edu.
