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7-3-2008

SENIOR CENTERS THROUGHOUT STATE DISTRIBUTING VOUCHERS TO SENIOR CITIZENS

Senior citizens who qualify may begin signing up for the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) at senior centers throughout the state, according to Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass.

“This is an extremely popular program that benefits agricultural producers large and small while providing low-income senior citizens with fresh and nutritious locally grown produce,” Commissioner Douglass said.

The SFMNP provides eligible seniors with $20 worth of coupons that can be used for fresh produce at local farmers’ markets. Participants can register for the program and pick up the coupons at the same time, but must meet specific age and income limits.

Participants must be at least 60 years old. A household of one must make less than $19,240, and a household of two must make under $25,900.

The program is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture – which will provide $520,000 for the program this year. It is administered by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, which provides training for vendors that accept the vouchers and oversight of program details.

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs, as mandated by state law. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials in West Virginia. Currently, Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is the longest-serving agriculture commissioner in the nation. For more information, visit www.wvagriculture.org.

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