Weaverville Primary students got a hands-on lesson in healthy living and local agriculture during a recent event that transformed their school into a mini farmers market. Thanks to a special partnership with ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) and Olivette Farms, students explored colorful tables filled with fresh carrots, collard greens, and red radishes where kids had the chance to “shop” for their fresh produce using pretend money.
As they browsed the market, students chatted with local farmers, asked questions about how crops grow, and learned what it takes to care for the plants that end up on their plates. Later in the day, the fun continued when students were able to taste the same vegetable they had picked out.
For many children, this was their first experience visiting a farmers market - and for some, their first time trying certain vegetables. To their surprise, several discovered new favorites. One teacher shared that students were excited to “fall in love with foods they didn’t know they liked.”
This joyful, farm-to-school experience highlighted the power of community partnerships and hands-on learning, showing that at Weaverville Primary learning is both nutritious and fun!
