On Saturday, January 19 I visited the farmer’s market at carver Middle school. When I arrived, Mr. Turner, who was the director of the nutrition network greeted me hello with a handshake. Then he introduced me to one of their sixth grade teachers Ms. Sonja Williams. There wasn’t a huge turn out at the market. Mr. Turner said that after the holiday season not many people are coming out to the market. He also said that many people come when there are activities and performances from music bands.
Once Professor Santo arrived to the market we began our meeting. The meeting consisted of me, Professor Santo aka Amy, Mr. Turner, Ms. Williams, and Ms. Gonzales. Ms. Gonzales is the director of the farmer’s market. She coordinates the farmers and the activities that are held. During the meeting we talked about that many people do not want to come to the market to get fresh produce because they find it to be really expensive. The farmer’s market is located in a low income neighborhood in south LA. Many people wait for cheaper prices at other markets before they come to the farmer’s market. Ms. Gonzales explained to us that she publicizes the market to women who are on the WIC program and to people who have food stamps. The WIC program is a federally funded program that provides supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutrition risk.However, these people still do not come to the market even when they can use their food stamps. What I found to be surprising is that women who are part of the WIC program are alloted only alloted $20 to purchase food. This amount of money is not enough for groceries. I was also surprised to find out from Ms. Williams that the city closed down a Ralphs and replaced it with a Ross, clothing store. Ms. Williams said that the markets here have fruits and vegetables that are dirty and carts that filthy. I found this to be unacceptable. Just because it is a low-income neighborhood does not mean that it is okay to sell dirty produce. They have the right to clean and fresh produce. This is definitely a problem that needs to be fixed.
So I plan to teach the students about health, dance, body image, and nutrition. I hope the dancing will increase their confidence and self-esteem. I plan to create a dance for the students so that they can perform it at the farmer’s market. It would be an outreach method for a healthier lifestyle. Ms. Williams also mentioned how she would like the students to have a booth where they can sell bookmarks and t-shirts. I was also thinking that the students can make pamphlets about health and hand them out to their peers and their parents. We have a lot of good plans that can better promote the market. The neighborhood needs to be more knowledgeable about their health and make better lifestyle choices.
I also wanted you all to know that while I was there I got to taste some of the food. Ms. Williams shared some of her raspberries wiht me. They were pretty sour, but the blackberries were delicious. I also had a wheat roll with cranberries and nuts. It was delicious, too! Very fresh! That is all for now. I will keep you updated on the development of the market and how teaching is going with the students.
