Seniors Farmers Market Enrollment Begins - 02/07 release
Jodi - our document for editing is also at NR_Senior Farmers Market Enrollment Begins_2_2024.docx , but full version of link is below. DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7 , 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) announces a pplications for the 2024 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) will begin being accepted 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 nmwic.org 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 .
[Gov quote here?]
“ Thanks to the continued support of the Governor’s Food Initiative , it has allowed the WIC Farmers Market Program to collaborate with state Aging & Long-Term Care Senior Services 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 New Mexico WIC and Farmers Market Director Sarah Flores Sievers. "This additional funding has allowed us to exceed our target of a 50% increase in benefit redemptions compared to 2022. ”
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.
Seniors this year have, for the first time, the ability to apply online at shopper.soliportal.com . Paper applications are still available at any DOH public health office 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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