Release No. 0098.03

Alisa Harrison (202) 720-4623
Jean Daniel (703) 305-2286 

USDA Awards Grants To States For Senior Farmers' Markets 
New York To Receive $1.5 Million

LIVERPOOL, N.Y. March 24, 2003 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced Fiscal Year 2003 grant awards to 40 state agencies and tribal organizations for the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP).

The SFMNP, established as a pilot program in 2001, provides low-income seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for fresh produce at farmers' markets, roadside stands and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs. The SFMNP is intended to provide fresh, nutritious, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs to low-income seniors and to increase the consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding or aiding in the development of farmers' markets and other outlets. 

"The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program is a win-win program for communities across the country including those in New York," said Agriculture Assistant Secretary Lou Gallegos, who was here today to help educate farmers about programs available under the 2002 Farm Bill. "Every day the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program is improving the nutrition of participating low-income seniors who may be nutritionally at risk by helping them purchase fruits and vegetables at farmers' markets. Area farmers benefit because the Program brings additional customers to their markets, and they spend both the coupons and often some of their own resources for farm products." 

The SFMNP, authorized in the 2002 Farm Bill, is expected to serve over 419,000 low-income senior citizens nationwide through grants to state agencies and Indian Tribal governments. This year, coupons for fresh produce will be accepted by about 8,500 farmers at nearly 2,150 markets, roadside stands or CSA programs.

The Consolidated Appropriations Resolution provides $15 million to operate the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program in 2003. All 36 state agencies that received funding in 2002 will receive funding in 2003. In addition, four new state agencies-Kansas, Kentucky, Nevada and Puerto Rico-also will receive funding.

Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program FY 2003 Grants 

Further information about the SFMNP is available at http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns/

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