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Over the last four summers, Donna Mistler has seen children get excited about something you may not expect: eating their fruits and vegetables. 

That excitement comes from a program called Kids’ Farmers Markets – where any child under the age of 18 can try a variety of fresh produce from local farmers and bring home their choice of fruits and vegetables to share with their family at no cost. 

“It’s such a pleasure to see the kids be excited about shopping on their own and getting nutritious food,” Donna, a long-time board member of the Spencer-Van Etten School District, said. 

Kids’ Farmers Markets, presented in partnership with Williams’ Toyota of Elmira, are free pop-up markets held across the Southern Tier to give children access to free, nutritious food in the summer months while encouraging healthy eating and supporting local agriculture.

Especially in rural areas facing tough economic times, Kids’ Farmers Markets (KFM) are more than a fun way to get fruits and veggies. They can be a lifeline when school-based food support ends for the year. Donna sees the reality up close: “We’re in a rural, poverty-stricken area.”

Many students in the Spencer-Van Etten School District receive a variety of food support throughout the school year, whether it be from the local pantry’s grab-and-go bags or Food Bank programs like take-home BackPacks or the School Food Center. 

In addition to take-home food support, many children also rely on free school breakfasts and lunches. During summer vacation – without any school-based food support – many families struggle with the extra food costs and childcare expenses.

This seasonal challenge is called the Summer Meal Gap. And it affects families all across the Southern Tier, including communities in the Spencer-Van Etten School District.

“We realized that we need a carry-over through the summer to help supplement what they’re getting at home,” Donna said.

That’s when they got in touch with the Food Bank about bringing Kids’ Farmers Markets to their area. Four years later, the KFMs now have a turnout of around 90 to 110 kids – reflecting a steady increase of both need and community action over the years. 

To make sure families are aware of the support available to them over the summer, Donna and the teachers involved in organizing the Kids’ Farmers Markets make sure the schedule is distributed while school is still in session.

Since Kids’ Farmers Markets in the Spencer-Van Etten School District are located at the middle school, transportation is arranged to make sure kids attending summer programming at the elementary school can also attend. 

Ideas for healthy meals to make with the produce are also provided. “They may have all had fried zucchini, but we put out recipes for making bread with it or how to make a zucchini boat,” Donna said. “The parents that have come with them have appreciated that.”

Thanks to community support, families and children won’t have to face the Summer Meal Gap alone. Your support is a vital part of keeping children and their families fed all year long, especially as families face rising grocery costs and changes to SNAP eligibility.

A $1 donation to the Food Bank helps provide 3 meals – and that means a gift to the Food Bank feeds as many children and families as possible. Join our mission and support critical summer programming like Kids’ Farmers Markets and pantry programs today.

Together, we can create stronger, healthier communities for all. Help close the Summer Meal Gap with a gift to the Food Bank.