The Down East Partnership for Children, volunteers and local farmers from Nash and Edgecombe counties will come together during the upcoming growing season to offer “Produce and Play Days” at the Partnership’s Discovery Park in Rocky Mount from 3 to 6 p.m. every Wednesday beginning May 11.

“Produce and Play is a great way for families to enjoy outdoor play activities, purchase fresh fruits and vegetables and support local grower in our community,” said Healthy Kids Coordinator Melissa Lowry

In 2010, DEPC completed a study that investigated the causal factors of childhood obesity in the Twin Counties. Of the contributing factors that lead up to early onset of childhood obesity, the most dominant were poor nutrition choices, family lifestyles and limited access to healthy food options.

“Giving families that live in our community greater opportunity and access to healthy foods is important” said Jessica Jones, research and evaluation director for the Partnership, “Families that get around by foot or bicycle spend a majority of their grocery budget in local convenience stores, which have limited stock and space for fresh fruits and vegetables”

Jones said 27 percent of Edgecombe County corner stores and 44 percent of Nash County corner stores offer fruits and vegetables.

As the only farmers market on the Edgecombe County side of Rocky Mount, families will be able to find items that are available at any other famers market including traditional al la carte items, and a pre-packaged Community Supported Agriculture box which will contain an assortment of 4 to 5 fresh fruits and vegetables and recipes to prepare the items as part of their summer feasts.

Any local growers who have the appropriate credentials to sell produce and are interested in participating are encouraged to contact Lowry at 252-985-4300 or by email at mlowry@depc.org.

For more information about Produce and Play Days and for a listing of weekly produce and activities or to find out how you can get involved, visit the DEPC’s website at www.depc.org.