The Missouri Department of Agriculture introduced that the Missouri Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is up and operating for the summer time.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Services, the SFMNP assists low-income seniors in acquiring recent, Missouri Grown produce and generates greater than $200,000 for the farmers’ market group. Through this system, greater than 4,100 households could profit.
“We have centered on addressing meals insecurity in artistic methods and this is only one instance of that work,” Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn stated in a information launch. “By partnering with the state’s Area Agencies on Aging, we’ll unlock potential for Missouri agriculture. Our farmers’ markets provide a novel alternative to not solely profit farmers, but in addition to assist the native financial system.”
Low-income seniors within the Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield and Mid-Missouri areas can apply to obtain vouchers that may enable them to buy eligible meals from a certified farmer at a Missouri farmers’ market.
A complete of as much as 10 vouchers value $5 every could also be issued to every qualifying Missouri family. To establish the areas that contained the best variety of eligible residents, the Department of Agriculture labored with the Missouri Department of Social Services.
Seniors are inspired to think about using a proxy to each apply for vouchers and buy eligible meals at a farmers’ market.
Each senior could designate one proxy on their behalf. The senior and the proxy should each signal this system utility as a way to obtain the vouchers.
Seniors could apply for vouchers on the following areas:
• Springfield – SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging, (417) 862-0762
• Louis County and St. Louis City – Aging Ahead, (636) 207-0847
• Kansas City – University of Missouri Extension, (816) 380-8460
• Columbia – Aging Best, (573) 443-5823
The Department’s Missouri Grown crew has educated and licensed practically 200 farmer to take part in this system.
Authorized farmers shall be recognized by an indication that states the sales space is proudly collaborating within the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. Benefit vouchers could also be used to buy recent, uncooked, unprepared meals grown in Missouri and offered at a farmers’ market.
Eligible foods embrace fruits, greens, recent lower cooking herbs and honey.
Vouchers shall be obtainable by way of Sept. 30 and have to be redeemed by Oct. 31.
Farmers focused on studying extra about eligibility and participation ought to e mail the Department of Agriculture at [email protected].
To be taught extra in regards to the Missouri Department of Agriculture or its applications, go to Agriculture.Mo.Gov.
