Article by: Mary Kennedy
CEDA representative Annie Leibel has been working with the City of Winnebago, MN and the Faribault County Food Partnership to bring a new program to area youth this summer.
The Power of Produce (PoP) program is a farmers market incentive program offered to children ages 4-12. Children receive a token worth $2.00 to spend on fresh produce at the farmer’s market, and the vendors are then reimbursed for their sale. This program aims to increase family participation in local farmers markets, increase vendor revenue, and build healthier communities. The Faribault County Food Partnership group is made up of stakeholders from around the county that are interested in making healthy food options more accessible.
After a brainstorming session, Leibel was quick to recommend Winnebago as the site for the 2019 PoP program, due to the Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the community’s interest in maintaining and supporting a successful and community-driven farmers market.