The “Farmers Market Scavenger Hunt” is an activity which was offered to all farmers markets by the Iowa Department of Agriculture (IDALS). The purpose is to help kids learn more about locally grown fruits and vegetables and the farmers in their community. Markets could choose to be included.

Youth participants use a form with a list of questions to hunt through the market. What is the smallest fruit or vegetable you see? What is a fruit or vegetable which grows underground? What was your favorite part of the market?  They are also asked to check a list of all of the items they saw and to visit with a farmer.

Produce in the Park has been offering the activity each Thursday evening beginning June 2nd. Completed forms are sent to IDALS twice a month and they are entered in a state drawing for prizes. One local person has been a winner.  Tammy Stotts of IDALS says more entries have been received from Produce in the Park than any other market.  Additional prizes will be available locally.

Kids may participate every week they attend. Forms and pencils are available at the Cass County Food Policy Council table in the center of the Park. Duane McFadden, Council member, is heading up the local activity.