BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Crawford County Public Health is spearheading the local Healthy Eating/Active Living Coalition, combining efforts to promote physical activity and healthy eating. On August 22, they will host a Farmers Market while showcasing newly painted playscapes on their sidewalks to encourage activity.
Christy Holman, Crawford County WIC Director, has been instrumental in bringing fresh produce to the health department and promoting healthy eating within the community. “We had so many positive responses from the shoppers at our June and July farmers markets. The June and July markets sold out and we anticipate the August market will do well too!” Holman stated.
The Farmers Market will feature produce from Smith Acres Produce, a small family-operated business from Galion. Smith Acres Produce offers seasonal, locally grown produce and is the only local market accepting both the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) and the Senior FMNP coupons. They also accept cash, credit cards, and Venmo. The market will be held from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the north end of the Crawford County Public Health parking lot, located at 1520 Isaac Beal Rd., Bucyrus.
Crawford County Public Health has utilized grant funds to purchase playscape templates and paints to create games and activities on concrete areas, promoting physical activity. These templates and paints are available for local organizations, schools, businesses, and churches to borrow, bringing fun and creative ways to be physically active. The Crawford County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Bucyrus YMCA have already borrowed some templates for their sites.
Katie Rafeld, Public Health Educator, oversees the playscapes program and coordinates the loaning of equipment. “It’s exciting to see these colorful templates being used in ways that encourage kids, and some adults, to have fun and get moving instead of just standing on a spot that would otherwise be plain and boring,” Rafeld said. For more information on the available playscapes, contact Katie Rafeld at (419) 562-5871 ext. 1212.