The indoor, producer-only farmers market will be held Saturdays from
8 a.m. to Noon in the Expo Building at the Logan County Fairgrounds
in Lincoln, through October 29th.
The ALMH Market will launch its mission to increase access to fruits
and vegetables with a ribbon cutting and ceremonial ringing of the
opening bell at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 21. A variety of vendors
will be onsite featuring Illinois-produced items. As a producer-only
market, The ALMH Market only features vendors that grow or make
their own items. The public is invited to join the ribbon cutting
ceremony as we celebrate this latest effort to improve the health of
Logan County and eastern Mason County.
Many free activities will be available. Children of all ages will
enjoy an inflatable obstacle course and face painting to help
celebrate The Market’s grand opening. The POP (Power of Produce)
Club is for children ages 5-12 years old. The club is free to join
and is based on the original POP Club that has roots in the Oregon
City Farmers Market since May 2011. The goal of the weekly POP Club
activities is to empower kids to make healthy food choices and
introducing them to the local food system.
On opening day, ALMH will also kick-off the "Know Your Numbers"
campaign. The free health screenings are sponsored by the ALMH
Auxiliary. Participants 10 and up can obtain free lipid profiles,
blood sugar, blood pressure, and BMI screenings. The screenings will
be held on a rotating schedule throughout the market season.
At 9 a.m. the first of free weekly fitness activities will begin
with Caitlin Lore teaching “Yoga for Stress Relief”. The ALMH Market
is also hosting a blood drive with a visit from the Central Illinois
Community Blood Center bloodmobile from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
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At 10 a.m. a live cooking demonstration will be held featuring ALMH registered
dietitian and certified diabetes educator, Jennifer DiPasquale. Attendees will
learn how to build the best recipes for sides, soups, stir fry, casseroles, and
more by using the right combinations of flavorful vegetables and seasonings.
Also at 10 a.m. participants will have an opportunity to create a smoothie using
pedal power. Live music will begin at 11 a.m.
“We take pride that The ALMH Market will be a wellness destination like no other
in Illinois,” said Angela Stoltzenburg, ALMH marketing, and community
partnerships director. “The Market is an extension of our mission to improve the
health of the people and communities we serve; our aim is to promote fresh food
and healthy living while supporting local farmers and the food-producer
economy.”
For more information about The ALMH Market, visit www.TheALMHMarket.org or like
The ALMH Market on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thealmhmarket.
[Angela Stoltzenburg]
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