4-15-2003 |
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GRANT WILL HELP FEED SENIORS West Virginia will again be one of the states to participate in the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), according to West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass. “I am very pleased to announce the Program again this year,” said Commissioner Douglass. “The SFMNP allows eligible farmers’ markets to provide fresh, nutritious, locally-grown fruits and vegetables to low-income seniors, while at the same time increasing demand for locally- grown produce.” Last year, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) received $630,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the Program, allowing approximately 30,000 seniors to receive $20 worth of vouchers, according to WVDA Director of Marketing and Development Jean Smith. This year, the state expects to receive approximately $738,000. “As was the case last year, not every county will be able to participate, depending on proximity to an eligible market,” said Smith. “However, we will be announcing more details about eligibility and sign-up procedures later in the year.” WVDA oversees the management of four markets located in Charleston, Logan, Weston and Inwood, and supports nearly two dozen independent markets with its “West Virginia Grown” and other promotional programs. A complete list of these markets can be found at http://www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/states/wvirgini.htm. For more information about the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, contact the WVDA’s Marketing and Development Division, 304/558-2210. The SFMNP, established as a pilot program in 2001, provides low-income
seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for fresh produce at
farmers’ markets. This year’s program is expected to serve
more than 419,000 low-income senior citizens nationwide through
grants to state agencies and Indian tribal governments. |
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©2001, 2002 West Virginia Department of Agriculture, All Rights Reserved |
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