Describe the Issue or Situation.

Senior Citizens need an avenue for fresh fruits and vegetables.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

Extension Office, Food Pantry, Good Samaritan, and Senior Citizen center

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

Breckinridge County recieved $7500 for 150 participants to receive a $50 card to be used at the Farmers Market.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

The Farmers Market Expands Outreach to Serve More Customers

The Farmers Market has been actively working to broaden its reach and serve more members of the community. This year, Breckinridge County received 150 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) vouchers. Each qualified participant received $50, with the opportunity to receive additional funds through the Kentucky Double Dollars (KDD) program.  Friendly reminders were made to those with funds remaining on their cards each month.  Each person that was contacted said they were budgeting their useage of the funds to be able to purchase longer during the growing season.  

The response from the community was outstanding—96% of the SFMNP vouchers and 95% of the KDD funds were redeemed. Participants thoughtfully budgeted their benefits throughout the growing season, using them to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from June through October.

Many participants have shared with vendors that these programs are the only way they can afford to enjoy the bounty of summer produce. These funds not only support healthy eating but also strengthen the local agricultural economy by connecting residents directly with farmers.