The problem

Breckinridge County has a large population of senior citizens that are under the poverty level.  Seniors need an avenue to be able to afford fresh vegetables and fruits.  The Senior Farmer Market Nutrition Program is available to eligible seniors in the county.  The distribution of the vouchers in the past 6 years has not been consistent and well advertised.  

The educational program response

The Breckinridge County Extension Service staff offered to be that consistent avenue for seniors to obtain their vouchers.  Once a month we have the audience that could possibly be eligible for the SFMNP Vouchers as our office is the site of the Feeding American food box delivery.  During these events we provided those participants with information about the SFMNP distribution date, requirements for applying, and any other questions they might have they called our office.   

The participants/target audience

Senior citizens that would qualify for the program were a great sounding board for the program as they called everyone they knew might qualify.  Each qualifying person in a household would receive  $50 per card plus the possibility of being eligible for Kentucky Double Dollars up to $20 more per card.    

Other partners (if applicable)

Kentucky SFMNP, Family and Consumer Science Agent, NEP assistant and all Breckinridge County Extension Staff members.

Program impact or participant response.

The program is always well received. In 2023, 89.8 percent of the SFMNP vouchers were used, plus $2000 more from the Kentucky Double Dollars were spent for fresh fruits and vegetables for the Senior Citizen population in the county.  We were allotted $7,000 in 2023, due to our increase in usage, we received an increase to $7,500.  

We know it makes a huge difference in the lives of the senior citizens in the county.  They are always tremendously grateful that we host the SFMNP distribution, and that we work so hard to find vendors to sell in our Farmers Market.  

Comments from participants; 'I look forward to the farmers market every year and this market card makes it much easier to bring in fruits and vegetables more times during the summer.'  'I save my money up for corn or green beans, I cannot raise or even pick either, so I can fill my pantry or freezer for the winter.'  ' I am raising my grandkids, and I am able to bring them to the market and they can learn how to shop at the market.'