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The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program helps older
Americans, mostly on fixed incomes, to obtain fresh fruits
and vegetables and eat nutritious locally grown foods. Other
local measures discussed include food pharmacies, affordable
and well-stocked grocery stores in food deserts, the
importance of good nutrition to wellness, and the Seagate
Food Bank and its mobile market.
"The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, is a win-win
for farmers and seniors alike and I thank these groups for
joining me today to highlight this program and its benefits
for older Americans," said Kaptur. "Too often our seniors
are without nutritious and fresh fruits and vegetables and
two decades after we pushed for this program it has proven
to be both popular and put dollars in the pockets of our
local growers."
"In a nation whose wealth is abundant but not shared by
all, we continue to look for creative solutions to food
insecurity," Kaptur continued. "I encourage all to take
advantage of these great initiatives to partake of and enjoy
the delicious fresh produce grown by our neighbors!"
This month the U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded $2.276
million to Produce Perks Midwest in order to expand the
offering and increase access to fresh locally-grown food to
1.4 million Ohioans who receive SNAP. This nutrition
incentive provides a dollar for dollar match to those using
SNAP to purchase fresh produce from farmers markets and
retailers in over 100 locations throughout our state,
including the Toledo Farmers Market and Promedica's Market
on the Green. Produce Perks benefits our local economy,
farmers, and families. Kaptur encouraged those who may be
eligible to sign up for the coupons and check out the
services discussed today to help with food.
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