Bring the kiddos to Excel By 5 Children's Day at the Hernando Farmers Market sponsored by DeSoto Children's Clinic from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm on the front of the historic town square. Each child will receive a FREE book and get a Power of Produce (POP) Buck worth $5 for the child to purchase a fruit or veggie of their choice. The POP program is to encourage young children to eat healthy at an early age. Books and POP Bucks will be available on a first come first serve basis to the first 100 children at 10:00 am.

 Participating organizations: Hernando library and Excel By 5, DeSoto County Sheriff's VIP's and more throughout the season.

Excel By 5 Dolly Parton Imagination Library registration forms will also be available. The Hernando Water Tower 10K is the only fundraiser for the free book program and funds the giveaway books and books for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library that are mailed to the children in the Hernando. For more information about the free book program contact Gia Matheny gmatheny@cityofhernando.org or 662-449-9127.

 Credit cards and SNAP/EBT can be redeemed at the farmers market table for tokens to be used at vendor booths. Thanks to a grant from the Double Up Food Bucks Mississippi program SNAP recipients receive additional tokens for free fruits and vegetables.  

How does Double Up Food Bucks work?

For every $1 you spend on fruits and vegetables with SNAP benefits, you’ll get an additional $1 to spend on your produce purchase, up to $20 per transaction.

For more information about Double Up Bucks, WIC & Senior Vouchers, and Children's POP bucks contact gmatheny@cityofhernando.org or 662-449-9127.

 It’s a place to shop.  It’s a place to gather.  But more importantly, it’s a rare chance to experience and remember the rich simplicity of a Mississippi small town. It is truly “A Fresh, Local Experience”.