Nourish Kids Returns to Market Square On May 9
May 5, 2026

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KNOXVILLE - Nourish Knoxville’s Nourish Kids program returns for the 2026 season, inviting children and families to engage with local food in a fun, hands-on way at both the Market Square Farmers Market and the New Harvest Farmers Market.

The kickoff event will take place at the Market Square Farmers Market on May 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will feature an activity led by Bike Walk Knoxville, where children can create custom buttons using a button maker. A second event will follow at the New Harvest Farmers Market on May 21 from 3 to 6 p.m., featuring an activity led by the UT Urban Trees Project, where children can learn about the benefits of trees in urban environments.

Nourish Kids is a free program for children ages 2–12 that empowers kids to make their own food choices at the farmers market. Each participating child can sample locally grown produce and receive $5 in Produce Bucks to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables, mushrooms, or food-producing plants at the market. Through direct engagement with farmers and interactive activities, the program helps children build positive relationships with produce, develop budgeting skills, and become active participants in our local food system.

“We love seeing children explore the market with their Produce Bucks,” said Beverly Keys, Markets Engagement Coordinator. “They try new foods, meet the people who grow their food, and get excited about making shopping choices.”

The Market Square Farmers Market operates year-round, with peak season hours on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., May through October. Beginning in November, the market shifts to winter hours and is held on Saturdays only, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through March. The New Harvest Farmers Market operates Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m., mid-April through September.

Nourish Kids will be offered throughout the season on:
• Second Saturdays at the Market Square Farmers Market
• Third Thursdays at the New Harvest Farmers Market

Along with Nourish Kids, additional programs support food access and community engagement across both markets:

• SNAP & Double Up Food Bucks (every market): The market accepts SNAP/EBT and participates in the Double Up Food Bucks program to help stretch food dollars further. A $25 SNAP withdrawal provides shoppers with an additional $50 in Double Up Food Bucks, redeemable on fruits and vegetables, for a total of $75 in market spending power.

• Nourish Moves (every Wednesday & Thursday): A free walking program designed to encourage movement, offering $3 in Produce Bucks per visit, along with milestone rewards for participants.

For more information about Nourish Knoxville operated farmers markets, visit: nourishknoxville.org/markets/

For more information about Nourish Knoxville's programs, visit:
nourishknoxville.org/programs/

The 2026 Market Square Farmers Market is made possible by presenting sponsor Grayson Subaru, with additional support from the Downtown Knoxville Alliance and the City of Knoxville.

The 2026 New Harvest Farmers Market is made possible with the support of Knox County Parks & Recreation.

SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, Nourish Moves, and Nourish Kids are funded under a grant contract with the State of Tennessee.

Nourish Knoxville is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization cultivating healthy communities by supporting relationships between local farmers, producers, and the public.