Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program now available
From mid-July through mid-September, the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) a program of the NH Department of Health and Human Services and the NH Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food, began distributing fresh produce to more than 4,200 low-income seniors statewide. Seniors who are enrolled through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, or CSFP, at statewide distribution sites in New Hampshire including those run by Southern New Hampshire Services in Hillsborough and Rockingham Counties will receive fresh produce throughout this summer’s growing season.
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides seniors with a fresh, locally grown bundle of fruits and vegetables grown by 18 New Hampshire farmers. The bundle has a value of about $18 and includes at least four different fruits and vegetables, ranging from apples to zucchini. Fruits and vegetables will be distributed to seniors at more than 60 CSFP sites in New Hampshire. Seniors will also receive recipe ideas and tips on how to prepare and store fresh fruits and vegetables.
The program runs from July 14 to September 12.
CSFP is administered by the Division of Public Health Services at the NH Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and currently reaches about 4,500 low-income seniors 60 years and older in New Hampshire. Income guidelines are up to $1,265 monthly for a senior living alone and $1,705 monthly for a family of two persons.
CSFP provides a monthly food benefit that includes canned meats, fruits, vegetables, cereal, juice, pasta, rice, and cheese, plus recipe ideas on how to use the foods in healthy recipes.
“Public health nutrition programs like these provide nutrition services to low-income seniors who may have a difficult time finding affordable fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Dr. José Thier Montero, Director of Public Health at DHHS. “By providing these foods and education to seniors, we hope to prevent the onset of chronic diseases such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.”
Seniors 60 years of age and older who meet the income guidelines are encouraged to call the Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Section of DHHS at 1-800-942-4321 to learn how to apply for CSFP and SFMNP services in their community.
Locally, eligible seniors living in the Greater Manchester area and throughout all of Rockingham County can call Southern New Hampshire Services at (800) 256-9880 for information; those living in the Nashua area may call (603) 877-211-0723.
For more information and healthy recipes, visit the NH DHHS website at:
www.dhhs.state.nh.us/dphs/nhp/wic/csfp.htm or www.dhhs.state.nh.us/dphs/nhp/healthyrecipescooking.htm.
SFMNP and CSFP are funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Nutrition Service. Community Action Program Belknap Merrimack Counties, Inc., administers SFMNP under a contract with the NH Department of Health and Human Services.
Learn more about the Commodity Supplement Food Program.
Learn more about the Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
