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NDA rolls out 2008 Seniors Farmers' Market nutritional ProgramNebraska The Nebraska Department of Agriculture has officially kicked off another year of the Seniors Farmers' Market nutrition Program. The program allows low-income senior citizens to receive locally grown, fresh fruits and vegetables at no cost. Earlier this year, the NDA received $246,775 in U.S. Department of Agriculture grant money for the program. "We are expecting around 5,089 low-income senior citizens to utilize the Senior Farmers' Market nutrition Program this year," said NDA Director Greg Ibach. "This program also benefits Nebraska's produce growers that will be providing the seniors with nutritious, Nebraska grown produce." The SFMNP, established as a pilot program in 2000 and authorized in the 2002 farm bill, provides low-income seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for fresh produce at farmers' markets, roadside stands, and U-pick operations. The 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. Nebraska's SFMNP is a joint effort between NDA, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Medicaid and Long-Term Care--State Unit on Aging, Nebraska DHHS Commodity Supplemental Foods Program, Nebraska Area Agencies on Aging, and the Nebraska Senior Centers. Coupons are available to low-income seniors during the month of June from their local senior centers. Free copies of the "Your Guide to Nebraska Fresh Produce", which identifies the locations of Nebraska's farmers' markets, roadside stands, and U-pick operations, are available from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture by calling 800-422-6692, or visiting www.agr.ne.gov. Low-income seniors interested in more information about the SFMNP coupons should contact NDA at 402-471-4876 or 800-422-6692, or the Nebraska DHHS Medicaid and Long-Term Care--State Unit on Aging at 800-942-7830. 6/30/08 Date: 7/10/08
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