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the Staunton / Augusta Farmers' Market

Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

(source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture)

USDA Awards $22.4 Million in Grants to States for the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

WASHINGTON, April 28, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced final Fiscal Year 2009 grant awards to 50 state agencies and tribal organizations for the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP).

Virginia received $490,825 in funding for the program for 2009.

"The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program provides an opportunity for low-income seniors to improve their diets and overall nutritional health by increasing their consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables," said Secretary Vilsack. "The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program also benefits local farmers because the program brings additional customers to their markets."

The SFMNP, which was established in 2001, provides low-income seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for fresh produce at farmers' markets, roadside stands and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs. 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.

Overview of program and benefits

• The Senior Farmers Market program will begin July 01, 2009 and end November 15, 2009

What is the SFMNP?
The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) awards grants to States, United States Territories, and federally-recognized Indian tribal governments to provide low-income seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for eligible foods at farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs. The majority of the grant funds must be used to support the costs of the foods that are provided under the SFMNP; State agencies may use up to 10 percent of their grants to support administrative costs for the program.

What is the purpose of the SFMNP?
The purposes of the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program are to:

(1) Provide resources in the form of fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs from farmers' markets, roadside stands and community supported agriculture programs to low-income seniors,

(2) Increase the domestic consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding or aiding in the expansion of domestic farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community support agriculture programs, and

(3) Develop or aid in the development of new and additional farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community support agriculture programs.

Who is eligible for SFMNP benefits?
Low-income seniors, generally defined as individuals who are at least 60 years old and who have household incomes of not more than 185% of the federal poverty income guidelines (published each year by the Department of Health and Human Services), are the targeted recipients of SFMNP benefits. Some State agencies accept proof of participation or enrollment in another means-tested program, such as the Commodity Supplemental Food Program or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, for SFMNP eligibility.

When does the SFMNP operate?
SFMNP benefits are provided to eligible recipients for use during the harvest season. In some States, the SFMNP season is relatively short, because the growing season in that area is not very long. In other States with longer growing seasons, recipients have a longer period of time in which to use their SFMNP benefits.

How does the SFMNP operate?
Once the SFMNP benefits have been issued to eligible seniors, they can be used to purchase fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs at authorized farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs. In 2006, these products were available to 825,691 low-income seniors from 14,575 farmers at 2,911 farmers' markets as well as 2,323 roadside stands and 260 community supported agriculture programs.

What foods are available through the SFMNP?
Fresh, nutritious, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and fresh-cut herbs can be purchased with SFMNP benefits. State agencies may limit SFMNP sales to specific foods that are locally grown in order to encourage SFMNP recipients to support the farmers in their own States. Certain foods are not eligible for purchase with SFMNP benefits; these include dried fruits or vegetables, such as prunes (dried plums), raisins (dried grapes), sun-dried tomatoes or dried chili peppers. Potted fruit or vegetable plants, potted or dried herbs, wild rice, nuts of any kind (even raw), honey, maple syrup, cider, and molasses are also not allowed.

Who has administrative responsibility for the SFMNP?
USDA's Food and Nutrition Service administers the SFMNP grants.