DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today encouraged Iowa students who are in kindergarten through 8^th grade to take part in the “Farmers Market Scavenger Hunt” again this year.  Students can take part at any of the 35 participating farmers markets across the state.

To participate in the scavenger hunt students should look for the bright blue “Farmers Market Scavenger Hunt” banner at a participating market.  As part of the hunt students will be asked to look for 37 fruits and vegetables and identify which ones are available at the market.

Students completing the scavenger hunt form will receive a free piece of fruit or vegetable from the market and be in a drawing for books, cookbooks or cooking supplies.

Among the farmers markets participating in the program are those in: Atlantic, Highway 34 (rural Glenwood), Madison County (Winterset), Main Street (Council Bluffs), and the Welcome Center (Missouri Valley).

In the fall, classroom teachers will be given the opportunity to participate in another great initiative called “Farm to School…to Market” where they will have the opportunity to receive funds to buy produce from the local farmers market and incorporate it into classroom lessons.  Teachers will also receive classroom supplies (books or bulletin board tools).

The initiative will be open to all teachers and market sign up is not required.  More information about the Iowa Farm to School program and other upcoming events can be found at: http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/AgDiversification/farmToSchoolProgram.asp.