Beautiful mid adult woman going for grocery shopping on the farmer’s market. In this photo she is making a choice for some green leafy vegetable.

Discover Wisconsin Farmers’ Markets

Curriculum to help Wisconsin residents get to know their local farmers’ market.

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Overview

Discover Wisconsin Farmers’ Markets is a guided tour curriculum designed to make it easy for community health educators and farmers market managers to familiarize Wisconsin residents with their local farmers’ market and promote confidence in using food assistance benefits at the market. The Discover Wisconsin Farmers’ Markets curriculum consists of: The Facilitator Guide, Participant Guide, and Senior Participant Guide, available in English or Spanish.

Health educators throughout Wisconsin now have a ready-made resource to provide guided tours of Wisconsin Farmers’ Markets. These tours improve access to and understanding of fresh, local food for participants of all incomes. By promoting local farmers’ markets, the program supports healthy eating habits and strengthens community ties.

The Discover Wisconsin Farmers Markets program addresses the need for greater access to fresh, local foods in Wisconsin communities. By providing comprehensive guides and support, the program helps health educators and market managers lead successful tours that enhance participants’ understanding of local food sources and healthy eating. This initiative has led to increased utilization of farmers markets, improved nutrition, and strengthened community ties. Feedback from participants and community leaders highlights the program’s positive impact on food access and education.

Confident young female farmer's market owner examines a ripe tomato. She is holding a basket filled with fresh vegetables.

Whom We Serve

Community health educators leading educational tours at local farmers markets

Farmers market managers aiming to improve healthy food access & understanding

Individuals interested in self-guided tours of your local farmer’s market

Ways We Help

Discover Wisconsin Farmers Markets is a curriculum developed for community health educators throughout Wisconsin.

FoodWIse is a program designed to improve healthy food access for individuals and families with low income.

FoodWIse staff support community leaders, including health educators and farmers market managers, to develop systems, strategies and policies to improve health outcomes for all Wisconsin residents, regardless of income.

A joyful multiethnic couple shops for fresh produce at a bustling farmers' market under the morning sun, showcasing happiness and connection.

How It Works

Download the materials to help you lead Farmers’ Market fresh food nutrition tours for all ages.

Facilitator Guide

The Discover Wisconsin Farmers’ Markets Facilitator Guide has talking points and directions for activities. This guide is available in English.

Activities

Activity sheets for participants are available in English and Spanish.

Participant Guide

The Discover Wisconsin Farmers’ Markets Participant Guide is for educators to share with participants, or for individuals to download for self-guided tours. It contains information about food assistance benefits found at markets, fruit and vegetable preservation, and other tips. This guide is available in English and Spanish.

Senior Participant Guide

The Discover Wisconsin Farmers’ Markets Senior Participant Guide is tailored to older adults, featuring enlarged text and senior-specific market and meal tips. This guide is available in English and Spanish.

Additional Resources

Additional resources for participants, including Farmers’ Market Recipes, Recipes for Seniors, a Seasonal Availability Chart, and a Kids in the Kitchen handout can be found on The Learning Store.

Contact FoodWIse State Extension staff or contact your local Extension office for additional support educating those in your community about healthy food access.

Success & Impact

Exploring New Places & Foods Through Discover Wisconsin Farmers’ Markets

A long-standing partnership with Riverview Apartments in Fond du Lac created a strong foundation for FoodWIse educator Melanie Phillips to explore new education spaces with participants. With the support of Julie Schelk, Resident Services Coordinator, they worked together to encourage seniors to learn and enjoy the nearby farmer’s market.