The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), in collaboration with Musicat, transformed the annual Farmers' Market program into an interactive health and nutrition educational event on November 10th at Westminster Hall. This initiative is part of UMB's ongoing commitment to promote healthy living among Baltimore City's youth.

UMB's Office of Community Engagement (OCE) and the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) have long been the driving forces behind the Farmers' Market program. Aimed at encouraging active and healthy lifestyles in children, the program offers hands-on experiences with a variety of fresh produce, spanning several weeks.

Musicat, renowned for its captivating, animated content for children, infused this year's program with a musical element. Their one-hour show, focusing on health and nutrition themes, was tailored specifically for children from George Washington Elementary, James McHenry Elementary Middle, and Robert Coleman Elementary School, all K-12 partners of UMB and UMMC.

Jennifer Rapuano of Musicat emphasized the project's scale and commitment. "We embarked on a 7-month, 30-week journey alongside UMB, investing about 960 hours of work into this initiative," Rapuano noted. " As part of our commitment to giving back to the community, we at Musicat volunteered our services for this collaboration without any financial compensation."

The event was staged against the vibrant backdrop of the weekly Farmers' Market at University Park Plaza, held in October. Third graders from three West Baltimore elementary schools engaged in practical lessons on nutrition and making smarter food choices.

However, the Farmers' Market program's impact extends beyond education. It also enhances the availability of fresh, locally sourced produce for UMMC and UMB staff, patients, visitors, and the surrounding community. This effort not only supports local farmers but also stimulates the regional economy. The market is a hub for environmentally conscious farmers who adhere to sustainable practices, such as minimal pesticide use and ethical animal husbandry.

By marrying education with entertainment, UMB and Musicat have crafted a novel and captivating approach to teaching health and nutrition. This partnership is set to have a significant and lasting influence on young minds, paving the way for a healthier future for the local community.