Power of Produce

The Power of Produce (POP) table at the Waseca area farmers’ market is always a popular stop, since the public health program offers $5 in coupons to any child under the age of 18 who has signed up. Coupons can be used for fresh vegetables, eggs and herbs ad well as preserved foods such as pickles or salsa.

 

On the third Saturday of the month, visitors to the table are more diverse, since on that day POP has opened up its $5 offer for senior citizens 65 and older.

 

The only requirement for eligibility is falling within the specified age ranges; no questions are asked about income or financial status.

 

According to POP club board member Teresa Suek, almost 400 young people have taken part in 2025, and about 100 seniors. Club members spend around $500 a week with farmers market vendors.

 

Waseca residents Mark and Judy Harinen were among those who signed up this past weekend. Because their son Mike Ottl is frequently among the vendors at his booth which sells naturally scented  products, the two regularly visit the farmers market. Sales begin around 8 a.m. almost all Saturday mornings from spring until fall at the county fairgrounds.

 

The $10 they receive as a couple, said Judy, provide an opportunity to experiment. “I think it’s wonderful,” she stated enthusiastically. “We can search out some variety and try things we’re maybe not very familiar with.” 

 

She mentioned she and Mark enjoy grilling skewers of vegetables.

 

She also commented on the variety of products the Waseca area farmers market has to offer–eggs, zucchini, beets, sweet corn, kohlrabi and many more items were on vendors’ tables the morning of Aug. 16. Though not eligible for POP purchases, many vendors were also selling homemade crafts ranging from jewelry to rugs to health-related items.

 

“The Power of Produce money gives people a good reason to come out and experience all this variety,” finished Judy.

 

POP board member Suek shared that the decision to include seniors in the POP program was made possible because of generous support from community businesses and organizations.

 

She mentions Waseca Area Foundation, United Prairie Bank, American Legion, MinnWest Bank, Cinch and Waseca 4-H as having been particularly helpful this year.

 

“We were really glad to be able to add them,” she said, “because we know many seniors are living on fixed incomes. A few extra dollars give them a little more room to buy the healthy produce and other foods covered by the program.”

 

Vendor Cindy Gilmore is in her thirteenth year of bringing produce and other goods to the farmers market. She commented on what a pleasure it is to see families shopping as a group. “I see the kids learning about budgeting,” she observed. “They realize spending money is sometimes about making difficult choices.”

 

Another skill she sees  children learning is negotiation. “Sometimes siblings will work together so they can buy a particular item,” said Gilmore. “And sometimes one will say ‘I’ll give you this much this week, but you have to give it back to me next time.’”

 

Gilmore commented the POP club creates an atmosphere of mutual benefit: buyers have funds and are encouraged to try homegrown or home processed foods they might be unfamiliar with. Vendors see more customers of every age as people come in multi-generational groups.

 

The farmers market will continue to take place on the fairgrounds on Saturday mornings through the end of September. POP club volunteers are present every Saturday. The next senior day will be Sept. 20.