A continued partnership between Wood River Community YMCA (Wood River Y), Wood River Farmers’ Market (WRFM) and Local Food Alliance (LFA) provides a healthy incentive to purchase fresh nutritious locally grown food.
Now through October 10, shoppers who purchase $15 or more of unprepared food at the Ketchum or Hailey Wood River Farmers’ Markets will be rewarded with a free day pass (or additional guest pass for active members) to the Wood River Y. Vouchers (limit one per customer) can be picked up at the red WRFM tent with valid proof of purchase (you can simply show your purchase) and redeemed at the Wood River Y (101 Saddle Road in Ketchum) within one year.
The vouchers are valued at $6 for youth (age 18 and under) and $16 for adults –the standard price of a day pass to the Wood River Y.
Wood River Farmers’ Market operates Tuesdays in the lower parking lot of River Run (base of Bald Mountain in West Ketchum) and Thursdays in Hailey (grassy lot north of Sturtevants off Main Street and across the street from Sun Valley Brewery) through October 10. Market hours are 2pm to 6pm.
“The YMCA is excited to continue our collaboration with the farmers’ market and LFA. We had such a great response from our involvement last year, it was a no brainer to continue our partnership this year. The Y is committed to strengthening our communities thru youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Adding accessibility to fresh-from-the-farm food and local art makes our
community stronger,” says Mary Williams, director of healthy living at the Wood River Y.
“Partnering with the Wood River Y and the Local Food Alliance to enable the great incentive of a free day at the Y by buying fresh local food is a big win in our book,” says Kelly Eisenbarger, Wood River Valley Farmers’ Market manager. “It’s a very popular program. I hand out a ton of vouchers every year.”
WHY SHOP OUR FARMERS’ MARKETS?
People who shop our local farmers’ markets enjoy the health benefits of fresh, nutritious food produced without pesticides, hormones, antibiotics and genetic modification. They support local and regional farmers using high-quality sustainable agriculture practices that protect our soil, water and air, as well as promote animal welfare. Purchasing locally and regionally grown food also minimizes waste and the environmental impact of long-distance shipping. It is a win for community health, our local economy and ecological sustainability.
ABOUT WOOD RIVER FARMERS’ MARKETS
The Wood River Farmers’ Markets of Ketchum and Hailey are venues where local farmers and producers can market their products to community residents and visitors. The markets uphold the age old tradition of allowing the consumer to meet the producer while encouraging the production and consumption of locally produced agricultural products and craft items. The markets are more than just places of business. They provide a mutually beneficial and sustainable community activity. As such, they are designed and operated to promote local ecological, social and economic sustainability. For additional info, visit www.wrfarmersmarkets.com.
ABOUT WOOD RIVER Y
The mission of the Wood River Y is to build strong kids, strong families and a strong community through programs that develop the whole person in spirit, mind and body. The Wood River Y is at the forefront of addressing some of the greatest health concerns affecting our society today. From childhood obesity to diabetes prevention to supporting cancer survivors, the Y is helping thousands of people of all ages living in communities in and around the Wood River Valley, live healthier and happier lives. To learn more about the Wood River YMCA, go to www.woodriverymca.org.
ABOUT LOCAL FOOD ALLIANCE
Founded in 2013, Local Food Alliance’s mission is to educate, connect and collaborate with farmers, businesses, organizations and individuals to bring more locally and regionally grown food to our community. For more information about Local Food Alliance, visit www.localfoodalliance.org.
TO LEARN MORE
For additional details on the WRFM-YMCA voucher program, contact Wood River Y’s Mary Williams, WRFM’s Kelly Eisenbarger, or LFA’s Stacy Whitman at the numbers or email addresses listed above.
