CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Kids in central West Virginia’s Calhoun County will be able to grab free local fruits and vegetables at some participating stores this summer.
Any child between ages 4 and 17 can participate in the program called Kids Market @ The Store. West Virginia University, the Sisters Health Foundation and local farmers partnered to create the program, a university press release said.
Kids will have a reusable shopping bag and a “produce passport” to keep track of what they pick up in the program. The stores will also feature recipe cards to create meals.
“Letting kids choose their own fruits and vegetables is a great way to get them to eat more fresh, healthy foods,” said Kristin McCartney, an assistant professor at West Virginia University and a specialist at the school’s family nutrition program. “This program both gives them that power while also saving their parents money.”
Children will receive stickers of the produce they “purchase.” They can be added to their passport, which can also end up winning kids university-branded prizes.
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