Hey Knoxville Moms! If you’re looking for a fun family outing that’s filled with local flavor, fresh air, and an opportunity for hands-on learning, then heading to your local farmers’ market might just be the perfect adventure. Exploring the market and cooking together afterward is a fantastic way to bond, inspire healthy habits, and make some delicious memories in the kitchen.
Have you heard about Nourish Kids? It’s a FREE program for children ages 2–12 that encourages kids to make their own food choices at farmers’ markets! Children participating in the program can sample locally grown produce and receive $5 to spend on fresh fruits, vegetables, or food-producing plants. Through Nourish Kids, children build connections with farmers, form positive associations with fruits and vegetables, develop budgeting skills, and even start to impact their local food economy.
Nourish Kids is offered at the following Knox County farmers’ markets:
- Market Square Farmers’ Market, 2nd Saturdays, May-November
- Winter Farmers’ Market, 2nd Saturdays, *December-March
- *January 2025: Nourish Kids at the Winter Farmers’ Market will be held on the 3rd Saturday of the month: January 18, 2025
The farmers’ market is a wonderland for little ones. Think of it as a colorful outdoor classroom where your kids can touch, smell, and even taste fresh fruits and veggies straight from Tennessee’s soil. Exploring the market with your kids can teach them where food comes from and make them more excited about what’s on their plate. Plus, meeting local farmers helps them understand how food grows and how much care goes into producing it.
Once you’ve brought home your haul, it’s time to cook! Here are a few simple, kid-approved recipes you can whip up together using fresh ingredients from the market:
- Mini Veggie Pizzas: A farmers’ market favorite, heirloom tomatoes and basil are perfect for these little pizzas. Use mini pita bread or flatbreads as the base. Let the kids spread on tomato sauce, sprinkle cheese, and add tomato slices or fresh basil. Bake at 400°F for about 10 minutes, and you have a delicious, kid-approved meal!
- Berry & Peach Smoothie Bowls: Smoothie bowls are a fantastic, no-cook recipe that kids love. Just blend some fresh berries, peaches, and a banana with a splash of milk or juice. Pour it into a bowl and let the kids top it with granola, more berries, or a sprinkle of local honey.
- Or don’t blend your fruit and make a Berry and Yogurt Parfait. In a clear cup, let your kids layer yogurt, berries, and granola. Drizzle with local honey for a little extra sweetness. The bright layers are fun to create and eat!
- Veggie-Packed Rainbow Wraps: Use colorful market vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and leafy greens to create “rainbow wraps.” Lay out a wrap, add a thin spread of cream cheese or hummus, and let the kids layer on their veggies. Roll them up, slice, and enjoy! Kids love the colors and flavors and they can mix and match their favorites.
