Farmers' Market Field Trips

Thanks to a generous grant award from the US Conference of Mayors, Alchemist CDC is preparing to launch no-cost field trips to the Florin Certified Farmers’ Market! The program is currently being designed for final implementation, but teachers who are interested in booking a field trip can sign up below to be notified when the application opens.

A few details can be offered now:
The Florin Certified Farmers’ Market takes place at the Florin Light Rail Station year-round on Thursdays from 8 AM – 12 PM. We envision field trip tours generally taking place between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM, targeting the months of September – early November and March – May. At present, we expect these field trips to be targeted to 4th or 5th graders, but we welcome learning about your interest as it can help us shape the program or craft alternative options.

Every student who participates in these field trips will receive:

  • A tour of the Florin Certified Farmers’ Market from an Alchemist CDC farmers’ market expert
  • A beautiful farmers’ market tote bag
  • $5 in Kids Bucks to shop at the market while on their field trip
  • Information about the CalFresh and Market Match program at farmers’ markets to take home to their caregivers

In order to make this an accessible, enriching, and educational experience:

  • The field trip will be available at no cost to schools
  • Teachers will receive free curriculum to use in the classroom leading up to the field trip
  • Teachers will also receive free curriculum to send home to caregivers to help build a connection between classroom learning and the home
  • If transportation presents a barrier to field trip participation, classes can reach the farmers’ market via SacRT buses and light rail. SacRT’s RydeFreeRT program makes public transit free for students. If needed, transit fare can be sponsored for teachers and chaperones.

This program should not only provide teachers with a fun, educational field trip for their students, but will also help cultivate the next generation of farmers’ market shoppers, who will experience a lifetime of health benefits and help support California’s smaller farms.