NDA ROLLS OUT 2012 SENIOR FARMERS’ MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s (NDA) Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) has officially begun for the year.  In its 12th 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 2012 program, NDA received a $232,137 grant from the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA).
“This program is extremely beneficial, not only to the more than 5,000 low-income senior
citizens that we expect to participate, but also for the over 500 growers that have been certified
to accept the coupons,” said NDA Director Greg Ibach.  “The popularity of this program
continues to grow each year.”
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 Nebraska’s farmers’ markets, roadside stands and
U-pick operations is available online at  www.ourbesttoyou.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.