Success StoryFarmer's Market Vouchers for Seniors



Farmer's Market Vouchers for Seniors

Author: Nancy Owens

Planning Unit: Allen County CES

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

SNAP-Ed Success Story 2021-2022

Nancy Owens-Sr. Nutrition Education Program/SNAP-Ed Assistant

Farmers Market Vouchers for Seniors

 

The Allen County Senior NEP paraprofessional partnered up with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to keep the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program in Allen County.

 

In Allen County 17% of the population is senior citizens. 9% are below income poverty level. It is important for the senior citizens to receive assistant when possible. The local food pantry was unable to continue the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program for the year of 2022. By partnering with the Kentucky Dept of Agriculture 111 seniors received a SFMN card with $48.00 to spend at the local Farmers Market. When attending the local Farmers Market the Senior was also given in additional funds for a total of $16.00 for a total of $64.00 for each participant. With the voucher senior could purchase fresh nutritious, unprepared, locally grown vegetables, herbs, and honey through October 31st, 2022. The seniors of Allen County received a total $7104.00 to purchase nutritious food this, also helped the farmers in Allen County. I feel that it is not only important to teach the seniors about nutrition, but to provide locally grown fresh nutritious foods, when possible.