One of our Core Values is “Teaching A Green Lifestyle” and we love taking it to the next level by hosting a Farmers Market for LT families. Our Farmer’s Market is completely free and a great opportunity for families to enjoy an evening picking out fresh produce together. We purchase all the produce from a local farmer at Bentley Lake Farm located in Howell!
Farmers markets offer numerous benefits for young children, particularly in early childhood settings. Here are some key benefits:
1. Nutrition Education
- Exposure to Fresh Produce: Children can see, touch, and taste fresh fruits and vegetables, helping them become more familiar with healthy foods.
- Understanding Food Origins: They learn where food comes from and how it grows, which can spark interest in gardening and healthy eating habits.
2. Sensory Experiences
- Hands-On Exploration: Children can feel the textures of fruits, smell fresh fruits & veggies, and see the vibrant colors of fresh produce, enhancing their sensory development
- Tasting New Foods: Tasting samples of different foods can help expand their palate and encourage them to try new, healthy options
3. Social Interaction and Community Building
- Family Engagement: Visiting the market as a family activity can strengthen family bonds and create positive food experiences together.
4. Learning Opportunities
- Math Skills: Counting fruits, vegetables, or money helps develop early math skills.
- Language Development: Talking about the different foods and asking questions can boost vocabulary and communication skills.
- Environmental Awareness: Learning about local and seasonal foods can foster an appreciation for sustainability and the environment.
5. Physical Activity
- Active Movement: Walking around the market encourages physical activity, promoting a healthy lifestyle from a young age.
Another FUN have at LT Farmer’s Markets is The Hive Food Truck. The Hive provides delicious snacks to enjoy while walking around and hanging out at the Farmer’s Market. This is a gift from us to LT families, as a thank you for being a Learning Tree Family. There is no charge for the delicious, fresh, produce made by Learning Tree chefs!
We love being able to host this event for LT families and continue to bring it back each summer!