Give the Reward of Good Meals, Household Time, and Farmers Market Enjoyable

Help us rise to the problem! Coastal Maine Pediatric Dentistry has generously agreed to match all items towards POP Club as much as $1,000 between now and August 31.

Do you keep in mind the primary time you tasted a regionally grown strawberry or freshly harvested carrot? Did your loved ones store at farmers markets once you have been a toddler? Do you keep in mind the sensation of pleasure and autonomy to make your personal purchases rising up?

In 2023, the Land Trust first piloted the Power of Produce (POP) Club to offer children on the Farmers Market at Crystal Spring Farm with ‘POP Bucks’ to buy recent fruit and greens instantly from our native farmers. With no obstacles to participation, any youngster has the prospect to decide on their very own meals, be a part of our native meals system, find out about budgeting, and in the end get extra wholesome, seasonal meals into their eating regimen.

The recognition of this program has exceeded all expectations, with participation almost doubling from 2023 to 2024. Through phrase of mouth locally spreading about this enjoyable and impactful program, we’re on observe to be simply as well-liked this season.

But what precisely does 620+ small consumers imply?

It means over $7,700 being spent instantly with native farmers, serving to households improve their weekly spending, and boosting native farmer incomes.

It means children commonly making an attempt new meals like natural carrots, pink peppers, and wild Maine blueberries.

It means inspiring pleasure about consuming greens and fascinating children in seasonal meals studying.

It means encouraging time with household, fostering pleasure and independence, and extra frequent Market visits.

POP Club builds wholesome habits, helps native farms, and strengthens neighborhood connections, all whereas making the Farmers Market enjoyable for youths. To be taught extra concerning the applications’ impacts and to listen to what some households must say about it, click on right here.

The program is at the moment funded via a mixture of grant funds, sponsorships by neighborhood companies, and donations from neighborhood members.

We want YOUR assist now to lift the remaining $3,500 wanted to take care of this system for the 2025 Market season. If you donate between now and August 31, all items as much as $1,000 can be matched by Coastal Maine Pediatric Dentistry. Help us proceed to offer this chance to kids excited to take part in our native meals system. Donate under!