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Program to benefit seniors, farmers
Colorado
The Colorado Department of Agriculture has been awarded a $15,000 grant to encourage low-income seniors in Pueblo County to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables. Funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program also benefits local farmers.
"This is Colorado's first year to participate in the program and we're very excited about the possibilities," stated Agriculture Commissioner Don Ament. "Not only will seniors profit through improved nutrition, area farmers markets will become even more popular than they are now."
The SFMNP provides low-income seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for fresh produce at farmers' markets, roadside stands and community-supported agriculture programs. Authorized by the 2002 farm bill, SFMNP is intended to provide fresh, nutritious, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs to low-income seniors and to increase the consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding or aiding in the development of farmers markets and other outlets.
Nationwide, the program is expected to serve approximately 600,000 low-income seniors with over 11,000 farmers at more than 3,400 markets and roadside stands accepting coupons.
Colorado's SFMNP is a joint project with CDA and the Pueblo County Department of Housing and Human Services. The pilot project will begin in Pueblo County with hope of expanding to other areas of the state in future years.
Low-income seniors interested in obtaining information about the SFMNP coupons and local producers interested in registering to accept the coupons should contact CDA marketing specialist Wendy White at 303-239-4119.
Date: 6/23/04
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