NDA Rolls Out 2011 Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
LINCOLN The Nebraska Department of Agricultures (NDA) Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) has officially begun for the year. In its 11th year, the program provides low-income senior citizens with coupons to purchase, at no cost to them, locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey from NDA certified produce vendors.
For the 2011 program, NDA received a $250,713 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The popularity of this program continues to grow. We are expecting more than 5,000 people to take part this year, said NDA Director Greg Ibach. The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program not only helps low income senior citizens, it also benefits our produce growers who participate in the program.
The SFMNP, established as a pilot program in 2000, and re-authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill, provides low income seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for fresh produce, honey and herbs at farmers' markets, roadside stands, and U-pick operations. The program is intended 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 (DHHS) Medicaid and Long-Term Care State Unit on Aging, Nebraska DHHS Commodity Supplemental Food Program, Nebraska Area Agencies on Aging, and Nebraska senior centers.
Coupons are available to low-income seniors, during the month of June, from their local senior centers. A map identifying the locations of Nebraskas farmers markets, roadside stands and U-pick operations is available online at www.agr.ne.gov or by calling 800-422-6692. Coupons can be redeemed at NDA-certified produce vendors only. Those vendors must display a NDA-certified stall sign.
Low-income seniors interested in more information about SFMNP coupons should contact the Nebraska DHHS Medicaid and Long-Term Care State Unit on Aging at 800-942-7830.
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