Recently, we added something special to our stores, just for kids!

Kids are welcome to help themselves to a free piece of fruit each time they shop.

We want to get kids excited about eating fresh, healthy produce and encourage the next generation of Co-op member-owners to start developing healthy eating habits today!

The program is a perfect complement to our super-successful Real Food Show assembly that we have presented for free to more than 10,000 elementary school students. The free fruit program reinforces the healthy eating and lifestyle choices championed by our loveable assembly performers Frank and Beans.

Also in the baskets are recipe cards for Harvest of the Month produce items. School kids in Whatcom County are already familiar with the Harvest of the Month program that introduces a different locally grown produce item every month (cabbage in October). The recipes are kid developed, kid tested, and kid approved.

Lastly, kids can “Ask a Farmer” a question. We will occasionally share the answers in our publications (like below) and also post them in our stores.

Q: My dad worked in a farm when he was a kid. How is it like on a farm? (Ginger, age 7)

A: Being a farmer is a lot of really, really hard work, but it is also very rewarding (and it tastes really, really good, hahaha)! Farmers love being outside, working on the land and with our animals, and spending lots of time with our families. And, Whatcom County farmers are lucky to enjoy some of the prettiest views of any farms in the country!

Q: Who takes care of all the animals when the farmer goes on vacation? (Aurora, age 3)

A: It can be hard to find time to take a vacation, and farmers are very protective of our animals. Animals need to be cared for every day, but everybody needs to take a break sometime. Luckily, farmers often have wonderful friends and relatives who will help care for our animals when we are away.