Release No. 0156.04

Contact: Susan Acker (703) 305-2286
Jean Daniel (202) 720-3310

USDA Awards $16.7 Million in Grants to 41 States and 6 Indian Tribal Organizations 
for the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs

WASHINGTON, April 23, 2004 - Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced fiscal year 2004 grant awards to 47 state agencies and tribal organizations for the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). 

"The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program provides an opportunity for low-income seniors to improve their nutrition by increasing their consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables," said Veneman. "The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program also benefits local farmers because it brings additional customers to their markets. Recipients use the coupons and often some of their own resources for farm products." 

The 2002 Farm Bill authorizes and provides $15 million annually to operate the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program for fiscal years 2003 through 2007. All 40 state agencies that received funding in 2003 will receive funding in 2004. In addition, 4 new States - Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, and Rhode Island - and 3 new Indian Tribal Organizations -Choctaw (MS), Five Sandoval (NM), and San Felipe (NM) - will also receive funding.

"The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program is a win-win program for communities across the country" said Veneman. "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.

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 SFMNP is expected to serve approximately 600,000 low-income senior citizens nationwide through grants to state agencies and Indian Tribal governments. This year, over 11,000 farmers at more than 3,400 markets, roadside stands or CSA programs will accept coupons for fresh produce.

SFMNP PROGRAM FY 2004 GRANTS

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

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