Empowering kids to make healthy choices

FINDLAY — Since 2022, the Hancock County Farmers' Market has handed out $4 per child ages 4 to 15, per week of the market that they can spend buying produce or many other items sold by vendors. The program, called the Power of Produce, allows kids to not only eat healthy foods, but also gives them experience learning how to function in a market community. Sponsored by the Blanchard Valley Health System and the Hancock County OSU extension office, the program has only become more and more popular. "The response has surpassed our expectations," says farmers' market volunteer organizer, Scott Grenerth. "Everything we've tried has been great." After checking in to receive their $4 of tokens that can be used just like cash, kids can either choose to spend their tokens each week or save them to have more the next time. Learning to decide to spend or save gives kids real world experience in managing a budget before reaching adulthood, when the choices could matter more. "The OSU extension office offers a vibrant youth nutrition program that empowers children to make healthy food choices by giving them tokens to use at local farmers' markets," says Amy Leach, director of corporate public relations and marketing at BVHS. "… Blanchard Valley Health System has proudly supported this program for several years as part of its commitment to community wellness. We believe that helping children make healthy choices early in life lays the foundation for lifelong wellness." During the pilot program the first year, Grenerth said the tokens were gone in the first 15 minutes of dispersal. By 2024, 513 kids signed up from across Hancock County, some coming from Wood or Seneca counties and some from out of state. So far this summer, in the first three weeks of the program there are 237 kids signed up. "Now, that doesn't mean 237 kids participate every week, but that's how many could come each week," Grenerth said. Proud parent of children who have taken part in the program, Theresa White says her kids have enjoyed being able to make their own healthy choices. "It gives them skin in the game because it's their money," says White. "The program is extremely valuable to our family."