We all know the Farmers Market is an excellent place for picking up fresh fruits and vegetables. This summer, in addition to picking up some home grown fruits and vegetables, you can pick up some research-based knowledge as well. 
The University of Tennessee (UT) – Tennessee State University (TSU) Extension in Warren County will be at the market offering food demonstrations, as well as selection and storage suggestions for the flavorful fruit and vegetables available at the market. The demonstrations and outreach are part of an Extension program called Farmers Market Fresh.
According to Dr. Christopher Sneed with UT Extension, the primary objective of the Farmers Market Fresh program is to encourage purchasing of fresh fruits and vegetables at the markets.  “We are particularly interested in helping limited-resource families, especially those receiving senior vouchers or EBT/SNAP have access to fresh fruits and vegetables at the Farmers Market. We hope our presence at the market along with the food demonstrations, tastings, and activities will encourage people to check out all the market has to offer,” states Sneed.
Throughout the summer, members of the local UT TSU Extension office will have a booth at the market where they will be offering food demonstrations, recipes and research-based advice on the best ways to select and store favorite summertime items. The best part of the program – each person who stops by the booth will receive a recipe card for the food being demonstrated that day.  At the end of the season, consumers could have an entire collection of recipes all featuring fresh items from the Farmers Market. 
Recipes to be featured include:  cabbage and pea salad, fresh salsa, corn relish salad, cantaloupe red pepper salsa, peach caprese, and cantaloupe and watermelon salad.  “We intentionally picked recipes that would be easy to prepare,” states Dr. Janie Burney of UT Extension. 
“Summer in Tennessee can be hot. So, we selected recipes that did not involve using the stove or oven. We wanted foods that were cool, refreshing, and delicious.” And, it just so happens they are all really good for you as well.
Grown-ups are not the only ones who will enjoy a stop by the Farmers Market Fresh booth. The young ones are sure to enjoy a sample of the food prepared. In addition, they will be able to participate in a weekly children’s challenge. Through the challenge, they are able to earn prizes for finding fruits and vegetables and talking with the farmers at the market. To participate, all you need to do is stop by the Farmers Market Fresh booth for all the details.
“We are excited to be part of this program,” states Hilda Lytle of UT TSU Extension Warren County. “Partnering with the Farmers Market is just a natural fit for our office given our focus on foods, cooking skills, and healthy eating.” 
 Lytle continued, "Tressa Moore and I will be set up at the market for six Wednesdays starting July 12 when she will make cabbage and pea salad. The program will begin at 7 a.m. and continue while supplies last each week."
Come check out the Farmers Market Fresh booth for a free food sample, recipe card and more.