Media Advisory
To be archived (Ag/F&H) after August 21 , 2009
CHARLESTON, W. VA. – Looking for an exciting way to spice up the start of your family’s weekend? Family Fun Fridays at the Capital Market in downtown Charleston is the perfect mix of family time and high-quality, local food for an enjoyable, educational and free afternoon.
Every Friday beginning June 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. West Virginia University Extension agents from Kanawha County bring information, education and fun-filled activities about local food and nutrition to the community.
“From agriculture and home gardening, to 4-H and youth programs, to family, health and nutrition education, the WVU Extension service has a lot to offer,” said Kanawha County WVU Extension Agent John Porter.
“Family Fun Fridays is an excellent opportunity for the WVU Extension Service to share all of our programs and opportunities with the people of Kanawha County,” Porter added.
“Buying locally grown food helps ensure you’re feeding your family fresh grown, healthier food. Investing in local foods also helps support the farmers in your community,” Porter said.
All events and activities are free to the public and all age groups are welcome. Participants will learn about the importance of buying locally grown produce and gain advice about growing fruits and vegetables at home.
A WVU Extension expert will answer questions centered on select topics. There will also be a healthy, locally grown snack related to that day’s topic at the end of every fun-filled Friday.
On June 26, the activities will be A Local and Healthy Independence Day program, where kids will make homemade ice cream and get to “ask the expert” about why it is important to eat local foods.
Another fun event is Tons of Tomatoes on July 10, where kids learn and create solar wind energy. Later they will enjoy a healthy tomato snack.
Next on July 24, follow the seed trail as the Corn Cob Cookin’ and Recycling seminar takes place. Kids will make their own seed packets and get to sample various corn dishes, while “asking the expert” about how to recycle in a garden.
On August 7, here will be the Simply Squash programs where kids will eat grilled squash with herbs and mini kabobs. They will also learn how to plant vegetables for a fall harvest.
The finale event will take place August 21. The Fruits of Summer program will allow kids to create bubbles and learn about bugs while munching on a healthy variety of fresh fruit treats.
“These educational, hands on programs will not only make a fun, free afternoon for your family, it will also inform you about the locally grown food choices in your local community,” Porter said.
For more information about Family Fun Fridays, please contact WVU Extension Kanawha County agents Kerri Wade or John Porter at 304-768-1201.
—WVU-ES—
CONTACT: Cassie Waugh, WVU Extension Communications
304-293-4221 x 3400 or 304-276-9818; e-mail: Cassie.Waugh@mail.wvu.edu
jh—06/16/09
Last modified
July 8, 2009
Comments to: Extension Service Web
