Pop-up Farmers Market

BAILEY SAMP, NW Michigan Local Food Coordinator

“The pea shoots are so delicious! Why haven’t I had these before?” While pumpkins and rainbow carrots are always the most popular items among the elementary school students at pop-up farmers’ markets, kids have the opportunity to try new local produce as well. These annual markets are intended to introduce students to local agriculture, give them an opportunity to meet local farmers, and develop financial literacy.

On their school’s market day, students await eagerly for their gym or lawn to transform into a real farmers’ market! Parents are asked to give their kids $1-5 to spend at the market and farmers generously price items accordingly with items in the 25 cent to $5 range to make sure everyone can participate. Teachers are given vouchers to shop for fresh produce with the students, gather everyone’s favorite items, and make delicious recipes back in the classroom. Plus, family and community members are invited to join the market.

A continued partnership between Taste the Local Difference and the Traverse Bay Intermediate School District Farm to School Program has produced over 15 successful pop-up farmers markets in Northern Michigan. During these events, $3,600 vouchers were distributed to classrooms, 5,000 students participated, and thousands of dollars were contributed to the local agriculture community.

Not only are the pop-ups fun and educational, but they also create meaningful conversations about local food among elementary students. As the momentum continues to build with support of teachers, parents, staff, and farmers, we hope to continue facilitating these events. It’s hard not to smile after hearing children repeatedly say, “this is our favorite day of the year!”