Resubmit: Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
This is a resubmit. Minor edits to paragraphs one and four. ALTSD added a quote. The editing doc is at NR_Senior Farmers Market Enrollment Begins_2_2024.docx . Initially, this was approved to go out Wednesday - but proposing moving to Thursday, with the carbon monoxide release that will be submitted shortly with intent to release that one Wednesday instead. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 8 , 2024
Open enrollment for 2024 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program begins February 15th
Program served over 10 ,000 eligible seniors and elders last year
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) will begin accepting applications for the 2024 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) starting Thursday, Feb . 1 5 .
The program , overseen by the state’s Women, Infants and Children program (WIC) , provi des i ncome-eligible seniors and elders a shopper card with a one-time annual benefit of up to $ 100 to buy locally grown fresh fruits , vegetables , herbs and honey at participating farmers’ markets and roadside stands statewide . Visit SFMNP for a list of locations.
Funding for the program comes from Governor Michele Lujan Grisham’s Food Initiative program and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service .
“ Thanks to the continued support of the Governor’s Food Initiative , WIC Farmers Market Program has collaborate d with state Aging & Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) Aging Network and Human Services Commodity Supplemental Food Program coordinators, to distribute over 20,000 lbs. o f fresh, locally-sourced produce bags to eligible WIC and Senior participants ,” said Sarah Flores Sievers , New Mexico WIC and Farmers Market Director . "This additional funding has allowed us to exceed our target of a 50% increase in benefit redemptions compared to 2022. ”
“ The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program benefits are valued not only by the senior recipients but by t he local program providers who see the impact on senior nutrition and well-being,” said ALTSD Aging Network Director Denise King . “ I n co rporating a wide variety of locally grown produce can enhance the quality of l ife for seniors, keeping them healthier longer and helping to combat chronic health conditions.”
WIC operates the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program in addition to the Farmers Market Nutrition Program for families eligible for WIC services.
To qualify for the SFMNP , Nativ e American elders ( adults 55 and older ) and Non-Native American senior adults ( 60 and older ) who live in New Mexico, need to apply for the program to determine eligibility based on household size and individual senior income. First-time applicants are welcome and previous applicants must reapply to confirm they are still eligible for the benefits.
This year, s eniors have, for the first time, the option to apply online at shopper.soliportal.com . Paper applications are still available at any DOH public health office , specifically at the WIC front counter , as well as local senior centers, AAA and AARP offices statewide.
For more information call (505) 469-0548 , ( 505 ) 487-0904 or email doh.fmnp@doh.nm.gov .
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