Nearly two decades after taking root in 1997, the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) of New Jersey has grown to serve the elderly, low-income population of Middlesex, as well as of the state’s other 20 counties, offering eligible seniors access to locally farmed fruits, vegetables and herbs.
The program provides seniors with four $5 vouchers to shop farm fresh rather than buy processed and canned food. The SFMNP differs from other voucher, coupon and food stamp initiatives in that it enables participants to buy wholesome produce, which, seniors particularly, need to stay strong, fit and healthy.
“As people grow older, their needs change,” said Freeholder Blanquita B. Valenti, chair of the county’s Community Services Committee.
While Valenti recognizes the challenges of adapting to these changes, she said that the county plans to ensure that its seniors have assistance to eat nutritiously.
Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios echoed Valenti’s sentiments, speaking of SFMNP’s significance and the value of supporting seniors to buy homegrown foods.
“Good nutrition is especially important for our older Middlesex residents,” he said. “We hope that by offering this program, we will grant even more seniors easy access to nutritious fare.”
Between June 1 and Sept. 30, Middlesex County distributes all 6,000 of its allocated vouchers to 1,500 of its seniors, according to Laila Caune, director of the Middlesex County Office of Aging and Disabled Services.
By coordinating with local senior centers, housing authorities and other senior programs, the county is able to host voucher distribution at about 40 different locations.
Some site organizers even team up with farmers to have the markets come directly to the center, making it easier for seniors who may not be able to travel, Caune said.
“The whole program is a collaborative effort,” she said. “It’s about working together with the local community.”
To qualify for SFMNP in Middlesex County, seniors must pre-register and verify that they meet the program’s criteria.
Participants must be at least 60 years of age, complete an application in the county where they live and have a yearly income effective from July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015, of no more than $21,590 for a single individual or $29,101 for a couple.
The vouchers are redeemable as coupons at participating farmers markets and roadside stands throughout the state through Nov. 30.
The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, sponsored by the N.J. Department of Health and Senior Services and coordinated by each county’s Office of Aging.