The Alderson Community Food Hub has several opportunities for youth this summer to practice their gardening skills, have fun with food, and even eat for free at the Saturday Community Market.
The Alderson Community Market, a program of the Food Hub, is a Summer Food site every weekend in July this year. All children (18 and under) can arrive at the market to have a free, healthy bag lunch. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. at the activities tent. Alderson Farmers Club volunteers will be on hand to help serve the meals. The Alderson Community Market runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Saturday into October in the lot of the Alderson Visitors Center.
While at the market, all youth are welcomed to participate in themed, food-centric activities at the activity tent (Apple Day, Potato Day), and join the Carrot Club. Carrot Club members track each visit to the market with a stamp card, and receive a free prize for every five visits during the market season. There is also free, live music each weekend at the market. SNAP benefits and WIC vouchers are doubled at the market manager’s tent every weekend to buy produce and other fresh goods.
All youth are also welcomed to participate in fun garden work days at the Alderson Community Garden on Tuesdays in July starting at 11 a.m. The Alderson Community Garden is located on Davis Street, adjacent to St. Mary of the Greenbrier Catholic Church. Adult volunteers accompanying children are also welcomed. A Food Hub volunteer will be onsite to orient and assist participants.
No prior involvement or experience is necessary to participate in these programs. For more information on the Alderson Community Food Hub and its programs, write to aldersonmarket@gmail.com or check out wwww.facebook.com/aldersonfood.