Cucumber Veggie Dip Recipe

Farm Fresh Kids has been a great program for everyone at the Abingdon Farmers' Market! Parents have said that they are so thankful for such an incredible program in their community, and our vendors have benefitted from the additional traffic at the Market on Tuesday afternoons. Chef Jassen led the kids on a tour of the market, and made a cucumber dip that was so yummy! The Master Gardeners of Washington County finished up the afternoon by helping the kids plant their own cucumber plants. The Kidz Place joined us the next week and talked about the importance of being active, and the kids participated in physical activities. Also, the Washington County Library joined us with storytime, blueberry races and smoothies! A big thanks to all of our community sponsors and parents for your help in making this a successful program! We have plenty of Tuesdays left, and will continue to offer the program through the end of summer. Chef Jassen Campbell's recipe can be found below, and please check out the You Tube video of the Farm Fresh Kids!

Cucumber Ranch Dip

2 medium   cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded and grated on large holes of box grater
2 Tb           spring onions, finely chopped
1 1/2 cup    sour cream
1/2 cup       buttermilk
1/2 cup       mayo
2 Tb           fresh lemon juice
2 ts             salt
2 ts             honey
2 ts             hot sauce
8 Tb           flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
2 Tb           fresh dill

In a large bowl, mix all ingredients. Serve with Toasted Pita Chips, Grilled or Fried Vegetables, or as dressing.

Farm Fresh Kids Kick Off

We had a blast at the inaugural Farm Fresh Kids event. In collaboration with HEAL Appalachia, the Abingdon Farmers' Market is taking on the task of fighting childhood obestiy. We are combining education with access, and giving the children the power to make healthy choices.

 

 The farmers market is absolutely the best place to get the freshest produce available, often harvested the same day. Connecting children and their parents to the sources of their food, as well as connecting them to the larger community is part of a holistic solution to a gigantic problem. Our children are facing a crisis, and we are doing our part to influence their habits that will lead them to healthy adulthood. Every Tuesday kids will have the chance to participate in a fun and educational activity that will end with a $2 Fresh Buck coupon to purchase their own fresh produce. There is limited space, so please register or sign up at the market. Contact Sara @ 276-698-1434  or abingdonmarket@gmail.com 

This Tuesday we had close to 30 child join the Education Team from William King Art Museum, who sponsored the Farm Fresh Kids tent. They introduced a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to the kids, and talked about what fresh and local meant. The kids all got a chance to hear about what seasonal produce was available at the market that afternoon, and why it is important to eat more of it! The children then painted their own veggie-themed shopping bags. 

After the activity, the children eagerly received their $2 Fresh Buck to pick out their own produce to carry home in their bags! A big thanks to the William King Art Museum for the generous donation of your time and expertise! The kids had a blast, and learned more about healthy habits. 

Farm Fresh Kids will be back every Tuesday through the end of August. Next week, the kids will meet their farmers, make cucumber snacks, and plant their own cucumbers with Chef Jassen Campbell of The House on Main and the Washington County Master Gardeners. Join us!