State Provides $2 Mil. to Support Farmers' Markets, Help Elderly Eat Better

Many of the state’s low-income senior citizens will receive special checkbooks in the next several weeks to buy $20 worth of fresh, farmers’ market foods grown locally throughout New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced.

Cuomo’s administration is providing $2 million toward the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, which will be added to $1.5 million from the United States Department of Agriculture in order to expand the effort to reach more seniors.

The program benefits both low-income elderly residents - 60 years old and older - and local farmers’ markets, which have grown in popularity in recent years throughout the Hudson Valley and the rest of the state.

“Our administration is helping thousands of low-income seniors live and eat healthy by accessing fresh, locally grown produce,” said Gov. Cuomo in a statement. “This program encourages healthy living and supports farmers across the state, and by adding funding in this year’s budget we are ensuring that thousands more New Yorkers can also benefit. I am proud that our administration is joining our federal partners to make this program better than ever, and I encourage everyone to check out their local farmers markets this summer.”

Approximately 20,000 more of the checkbooks will be distributed this year than last year for a total of 120,000, according to Cuomo. The booklets, consisting of five $4.00 checks, will allow for the purchase of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables from 950 farmers vending at 600 community farmers markets and farm stands across the state. A pocket folder with instructions on how and where to use the checks to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers at the market will be included with each checkbook.

“Fresh produce is a vital component of a healthy diet. I’m pleased seniors in need throughout New York will have the opportunity to purchase locally-sourced fruits and vegetables through this program,” said Westchester and Rockland Congresswoman Nita Lowey. “As Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue working to ensure support for our seniors.”

Added Putnam and Westchester Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney, “With dozens of farmers’ markets throughout the Hudson Valley, this important partnership invests in our local economy, supports our local farmers, and provides our seniors with fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables.”

The program is administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, in cooperation with the New York State Office for the Aging, the New York City Department for the Aging and the New York State Department of Health. Nutrition education is provided by Cornell Cooperative Extension. Checks can be used at participating farmers markets through November 30 of this year.

Eligible recipients must be age 60 or older and meet the income eligibility requirement—$1,815 or less per month for a single or $2,456 per month for a couple— or affirm that they are currently receiving or eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or public assistance or Section 8 housing subsidy. Recipients cannot have received Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program checks from any other location.

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “I thank Governor Cuomo and the Legislature for making the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program a priority. The additional funding means more of our seniors will be able to pick up these checkbooks and make smart, healthy choices for their meals, while supporting the hundreds of farmers that take part in the community markets.”

Added Corinda Crossdale, New York State Office for the Aging Director, “I thank Governor Cuomo, the New York State Legislature and our partner, Commissioner Ball, for recognizing the importance of the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. This widely popular program provides fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables to lower income, often times at risk older adults, to help them improve their health through better nutrition. New York’s commitment to not only older New Yorkers, but also to the agricultural community is unparalleled.”

For a listing of farmers markets across the state, please visit www.data.ny.gov or click here.

Patch file photo.