Elder Farmers' Market Nutrition Program - Florida
An Effective Practice
Description
The Elder Farmers' Market Nutrition Program provides low-income elders with coupons that can be redeemed at participating farmers' markets. The program, funded through the United States Department of Agriculture, increases access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Individuals aged 60 and older with an income of up to 185% of the federal poverty level are eligible to receive up to $60 worth of coupons annually through program. The coupons can be used between April and August of each year with participating vendors at markets; the farmers later exchange the coupons for cash through a financial intermediary.
Goal / Mission
The goal of the Elder Farmers' Market Nutrition Program is to help low-income elders improve their nutrition through access to fresh produce that they may not otherwise be able to afford.
Results / Accomplishments
During the 2006 program year, $238,320 worth of coupons was distributed serving 3,954 elders. A majority of participants reported that the coupons freed some of their fixed income for other food costs. Among consumers 84.2% were eating more fruits and vegetables daily, and 46.6% tried at least one new fruit of vegetables. Nearly 200 farmers participated as vendors, all of whom gave the program an overall "A" or "B" grade on an A, B, C, D, or F scale. Nearly all (98.9%) farmers would recommend the program to other farmers.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
Florida Department of Elder Affairs, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Primary Contact
Florida Department of Elder Affairs
4040 Esplanade Way,
Tallahassee, FL 32399-7000
(850) 414-2000
http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us/doea/farmers_marke...
4040 Esplanade Way,
Tallahassee, FL 32399-7000
(850) 414-2000
http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us/doea/farmers_marke...
Topics
Health / Older Adults
Health / Physical Activity
Health / Physical Activity
Organization(s)
Florida Department of Elder Affairs, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Source
United States Department of Agriculture
Date of publication
2006
Date of implementation
2003
Location
Florida
For more details
Target Audience
Older Adults