The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is the only federal program dedicated to connecting local farmers with Americans over age 60 who are experiencing food insecurity. SFMNP provides low-income seniors with coupons for use at their local farmers market, to purchase unprocessed fruits, vegetables, honey, and fresh-cut herbs. In 2011, SFMNP helped 863,097 low-income seniors buy food from 19,069 farmers at 4,598 farmers markets, 3,445 roadside stands and 141 community supported agriculture programs. In 2012, the program resulted in nearly $17 million in low-income seniors’ purchases from local farmers. The amount per recipient is small—a minimum of $20 per year, and a maximum of $50—however, the benefits have provided enough incentive to motivate seniors to go to the farmers market, which in itself is a victory for healthy habits.
Source: National Foundation to End Senior Hunger, 8/6/13, Farmers Markets
No comments:
Post a Comment