PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release
June 1, 2007 www.agr.ne.gov		Contact: Christin Kamm (402) 471-6856 (402) 440-7251 (cell)

LINCOLN - Today the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) kicked off another year of the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). The program allows low-income senior citizens to receive locally grown, fresh fruits and vegetables at no cost.

Earlier this year, the NDA received $228,487 in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant money to operate the program.

"The Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program enables Nebraska's low-income senior citizens to readily access nutritious, Nebraska grown produce," said NDA Director Greg Ibach. "This program also benefits Nebraska's produce growers as we expect around 4,760 seniors to utilize the program this year."

The SFMNP, established as a pilot program in 2000 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 and U-pik operations. 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 between the NDA, Nebraska Health and Human Services (HHS) State Unit on Aging, Nebraska HHS Commodity Supplemental Foods Program, Nebraska Area Agencies on Aging, and the Nebraska Senior Centers.

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 and U-pik operations 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 should contact the NDA at (402) 471-4876 or 800-422-6692, the Nebraska HHS State Unit on Aging at 800-942-7830.