Karl Baer of Baer Poultry Farms in Adrian. Karl and his wife, Carolyn, raise free-range, USDA inspected, chemical-free chickens and turkeys.
By M.J. GALBRAITH
Metromode Media
LINCOLN PARK — Fresh off the heels of their first Winter Market in several years, the Lincoln Park Farmers Market is getting ready for its next phase of growth.
Starting with the 2017 season, Lincoln Park will be members of the Power of Produce Club, a national program designed to engage children in the importance of healthy eating and shopping habits.
Lincoln Park Farmers Market is one of a handful of Michigan farmers markets to join the POP Club program. The Dearborn Farmers and Artisans Market and Muskegon Farmers Market also are members.
First started in Oregon, the POP Club uses a number of techniques to teach children aged 5 to 12 years old about fresh and local produce. Once registered in the POP Club, a child receives $2 to spend as they wish on fruits, vegetables, and plants. Lincoln Park will also host produce-related activities and classes for the children.
“POP Clubs have always intrigued me,” says Leslie Lynch-Wilson, President of Friends of Lincoln Park Farmers Market. “I just thought this would be a really good thing to have. It’s great for the community, families, and farmers. And it’s something for the kids to do and not just stand around bored while their parents shop.”
Registration for the POP Club will be available at the first regular Lincoln Park Farmers Market of the season on June 4. Lynch-Wilson encourages children to register upon entry to the market.
Lincoln Park also will host a special holiday market on Mother’s Day, May 14.
Lincoln Park Farmers Market occurs every Sunday from June through October. It is at the southwest corner at the intersection of Southfield Road and Fort Street in Lincoln Park.
(This story was reprinted from Metromode Media. It also is available at: www.secondwavemedia.com/metromode/devnews/LPFarmersMarketPOPClub.aspx.)