7/1/2010
Senior citizens who qualify may begin signing up for the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) at senior centers throughout the state, according to Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass.
“This is an extremely popular program that benefits agricultural producers large and small, while providing low-income senior citizens with fresh and nutritious locally grown produce,” Commissioner Douglass said.
The SFMNP provides eligible seniors with $20 worth of coupons that can be used for fresh produce at local farmers’ markets. Participants can register for the program and pick up the coupons at the same time, but must meet specific age and income limits.
Participants must be at least 60 years old. A household of one must make less than $20,036, and a household of two must make under $26,955. If a proxy is signing up for a participant, they must have a signed statement from the participant giving them authorization to do so. This must include the participant’s name, address and phone number. Proxy forms are available at your local senior center.
The program is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture – which will provide approximately $520,000 for the program this year. It is administered by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, which provides training for vendors that accept the vouchers, and oversight of other program details
Contact Information