The Forest County Potawatomi Community Health Department in collaboration with the Rising Sun Day Care, Gte Ga Nes Pre-School, and the FCP Land and Natural Resources Department hosted the Garden to Children Farmer’s Market Event on Thursday, September 22, 2016. The garden, built by the Forest County Potawatomi Housing and Land and Natural Resources Departments behind Rising Sun and Gte Ga Nes, was funded through a grant from the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services to expand the horizons of the children and families, of Rising Sun and Gte Ga Nes, by increasing awareness of local farms, farmer’s markets, and produce.

Children and their families were given market dollars to purchase a variety of farm fresh produce from two local area farmers, Naked Acres and Evergood Farms. To ensure recommended fruit and vegetable intake, children and their families made fruit and vegetable bracelets, were provided resources on the benefits of vegetables, and were provided a brochure which included: recipes, information about which produce is in season when, and the importance of supporting local farmer’s markets. Leaf imprinting, tasting samples of produce and recipes made with vegetables provided by the farmers were enjoyed by all.