Encouraging Young Palates: Simplifying Vegetable Consumption for Children at POP Club
In an attempt to make fruits and vegetables tasty and intriguing for children, the Phinney Neighborhood Farmers Market is offering the Power of Produce (POP) Club this summer. This kid-centered program, designed by the National Farmers Market Coalition, encourages children to sample a variety of seasonal produce through weekly tastings and hands-on activities. The highlight of the program, known as the "Two-Bite Club," awards children with $2 in Farm Bucks for trying two bites of a featured fruit or vegetable, which they can then spend on market produce.
The POP Club proved to be a hit last year, and it will be available for the entire 17-week season this year, commencing June 6. Katherine Boury, the director of communications and development for Neighborhood Farmers Markets, mentioned that the market's Friday evening timing attracted some kids who visited weekly after school, integrating the POP Club into their Friday afternoon routine.
Besides fueling children's interest in healthy foods, the POP Club also fosters a sense of empowerment by encouraging kids to make their own food choices. Each week, participants can earn Farm Bucks to spend at the market. Boury recalled a memorable moment last summer, when she witnessed a 4-year-old take two bites of a cucumber to earn $2 in Farm Buck market currency, astonishing his parents.
As part of the POP Club, kids also have the opportunity to meet farmers, helping to deepen their connection with food sources. The produce used for the program comes directly from the market vendors. Boury explained that they select a fruit or vegetable for each day's tasting based on what's fresh and in season at the market, and often farmers generously donate the produce for the program.
New activities have been planned for this year's POP Club, including creating market sandwiches, veggie crowns, and dirt babies (a homemade Chia Pet-style project). Special events schedule for the 2025 season include meeting the Neighborhood Cheese Lady and her cow Gwendolyn on June 6 and the annual zucchini races on Aug. 1.
The Phinney Farmers Market runs from June 6 to September 26, 2025, every Friday, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Parents and children interested in the POP Club can find more information about other family-friendly gardens, healthy eating, and gardening tips in related articles accessible below.
More articles about family-friendly gardens and healthy eating:
- 5 Essential Tips for Vegetable Gardening in the Pacific Northwest
- Seattle-Area Teaching Gardens Are a Hotbed for Learning
- 12 Secret Gardens for Seattle-Area Kids and Families
- School's Out! Healthy Summer Eating Is In
- Superfood Smuggle: 6 Dessert Recipes That Are Actually Healthy
Articles related to family-friendly gardens and healthy eating:1. Launch into Vegetable Gardening: Essential Tips for Growing Veggies in the Pacific Northwest2. Seattle-Area Teaching Gardens: A Hub for Learning3. Hidden Gems: 12 Secret Gardens for Kids and Families in the Greater Seattle Area4. Summer's Here: Healthy Eating for Kids Is More than a Snack5. Sneak in Health: 6 Desserts That Disguise Good-for-You Ingredients
- The Power of Produce (POP) Club at the Phinney Neighborhood Farmers Market encourages kids to explore various seasonal produce to foster a healthy lifestyle.
- Participating in the POP Club can help children develop an appreciation for home-grown foods and food-and-drink choices.
- Besides learning about healthy food, kids can engage in fun activities like creating market sandwiches, veggie crowns, and dirt babies as part of the POP Club.
- Beyond the POP Club, families can find articles on family-friendly gardens, learning about vegetable gardening, teaching gardens, and healthy summer eating for kids.
- In addition to the POP Club, families can enjoy various special events like meeting the Neighborhood Cheese Lady and witnessing the zucchini races during the market season.
