PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release
July 7, 2006 www.agr.ne.gov		Contact: Christin Kamm (402) 471-6856

LINCOLN - The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is reminding Nebraska seniors of a current program that allows them to receive fresh fruits and vegetables at no cost. The Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is operated with $228,731 in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant money awarded to NDA earlier this year.

"The Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program helps improve the nutrition of Nebraska's low-income senior citizens, along with providing Nebraska's farmers with an additional market for their produce," said NDA Director Greg Ibach. "Around 6,300 seniors are expected to utilize the program this year."

The SFMNP, established as a pilot program in 2001 and authorized in the 2002 Farm Bill, provides low-income seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for fresh produce at farmers' markets, roadside stands, U-pik operations 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.

Nebraska's SFMNP is a joint effort including the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Nebraska Health and Human Services State Unit on Aging, the Nebraska Farmers' Market Association, and the University of Nebraska Lincoln Department of Agronomy and Horticulture.

Coupons are available to low-income seniors during the months of June, July and August from their local senior centers. Free copies of the "Your Guide to Nebraska Fresh Produce", which identifies the locations of Nebraska's farmers' markets, roadside stands, U-pik operations and CSA's are available from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture by calling 800-422-6692 or visiting www.agr.ne.gov.

Low-income seniors interested in more information about the SFMNP coupons, or local producers interested in registering to accept SFMNP coupons should contact the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at (402) 471-4876 or 800-422-6692.