Veggin' Out at the Farmer's Market: Learn how to cook healthy meals with delicious market veggies

Susan Krahn |

Bright red tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, warm corn on the cob … summer brings fresh, delicious fruits and vegetables to our local farmers markets in Wisconsin. Despite our summer abundance of locally grown produce, almost 75 percent of adults in Eau Claire County report eating less than the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables each day for good health. The Eau Claire City-County Health Department and the WIC Program aim to help our community use more of our locally grown foods by offering “Veggin’” Out cooking demonstrations and nutrition education at two local farmers markets.

Have you ever wondered how to cook a zucchini? Do you have a picky eater at home? When you stop by the Veggin’ Out table you can learn how to cook easy, healthy recipes the whole family will enjoy. The farmers market is a great place for children to learn about healthy foods. Bring kids to the market to taste new fruits and vegetables! If you have picky eaters who will never touch cooked green peas their dinner plate at home, you might be surprised by their willingness to try fresh, crunchy sugar snap peas at the farmers market. 

Visit the Veggin’ Out table to learn more about eating and cooking local fruits and vegetables now through Aug. 23.

Make your dollars go further at the farmers’ market

One goal of Veggin’ Out is to support the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program. WIC, a nutrition program for eligible women, infants, and children, offers a one-time benefit each summer. In 2018, eligible families using WIC can get a $30 voucher package to buy fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, or herbs from approved Wisconsin farmers. Families receiving WIC benefits are encouraged to visit the Veggin’ Out table to learn how to best use their farmers’ market benefits. Call (715) 839-5051 or visit this website to find out if you are eligible for the WIC program.

Participants is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – which is called FoodShare in Wisconsin – are invited to use the Market Match Program to double their dollars at the Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market to purchase healthy, local food. Every Saturday from 8:30am-12:30pm through September, FoodShare participants may purchase $1 wooden tokens with their QUEST/FoodShare cards. Tokens purchased will be doubled up to $10 per QUEST/FoodShare card per week. Tokens can then be spent to buy healthy, local food at the downtown marker. The tokens never expire and can be used any day the downtown market is open.

Where to Find Veggin’ Out

Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market (Phoenix Park)

• Wednesdays from 9am-1pm
• Thursdays from noon-5pm

Festival Foods Farmers Market  (3007 Mall Drive, Eau Claire)

• Sunday from 8am-2pm