Thirty dollars and a free recipe demonstration: that was the deal the Purchase District Health Department offered at the grand opening of its 2026 Neighborhood Farmers Market on Thursday, and dozens of Paducah-area residents took it.
The annual market, which the department runs as part of its public health mission, kicked off its season with a celebration focused on mothers. Attendees who completed a maternal mental health class walked away with a $30 produce voucher redeemable at the market. Children ages four through 12 could join the Power of Produce Club, earning $2 vouchers of their own.
Lorie Brown, the department WIC coordinator, framed it simply: what mothers eat, their children tend to eat. The event offered hands-on cooking demonstrations alongside health education and giveaways that included Narcan, drug disposal bags and safe infant sleep materials.
The market runs from 2 to 6 p.m. on select Thursdays through October: June 25, July 16, August 20, September 17 and October 15. Each month carries a theme; June is aimed at fathers. Workshops co-hosted with the McCracken County Public Library and Family Service Society will cover nutrition, diabetes management and child development.
WIC participants can use federal FMNP benefits and earn double dollars at the market while funding lasts—a detail that could meaningfully stretch grocery budgets for the families the department most wants to reach.