Spotlight on the Cape Marketeers Club

As someone who lives, breathes and eats organic farming, Emily Scifers has learned a few things about healthy eating and sustainable living. She worked with kids on farming while she lived in Minnesota, and she brought this emphasis back with her to Missouri via the Cape Marketeers Club.

"Eating healthy from a young age has a huge impact," says Emily. "It not only makes you feel better, but it also enhances your ability to learn, fosters good brain and body development and helps keep your behavior in check. It sets one up for eating well for the rest of their life."

Emily and Jaime Mayfield, another farmers market enthusiast, worked together to start the club, which holds free activities and demonstrations twice a month for kids ages 5 to 12. The activities coincide with the Cape Riverfront Market on Saturday mornings.

Emily has taught attendees about the parts of a seed and a plant, growing sprouts in a jar and planting seeds, to name a few areas. Other volunteers have covered science and food topics.

"It's so cool to see the kids working with the soil, growing their own food and preparing their own food. They're learning an appreciation for hard work and nutrition," says Emily.

Participants earn a $2 token for each session they complete, and the tokens can be used to buy fruits, vegetables or produce plants at the Riverfront Market.

Emily encourages parents to keep their kids involved in gardening and healthy eating outside the farmers markets and all year long.

"Starting a garden is always a good way to get kids interested in vegetables," she says. "It helps kids make the connection between what is on their plate and how it is grown. Parents can also involve their kids in meal planning, shopping and cooking to get their kids invested in healthy eating."

The Cape Marketeers Club can always use more volunteers, donations and participants. To learn more, visit www.caperiverfrontmarket.com or keep up with the Cape Riverfront Market on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CapeRiverfrontMarket.