BIG NEWS: Senior Farmers Market
Nutrition Program is Shifting to CFAC!
CFAC is excited to announce a new partnership with Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) to lead Montana’s Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). Under this program the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) awards grants to states and Indian tribal governments to provide low-income seniors with $50 in coupons redeemable at local farms and farmers markets from June 1st to October 31st. Benefits can be used to purchase MT grown fresh fruits, vegetables and raw honey.
CFAC will partner with Agencies on Aging and Senior Centers as well as farmers markets and over 180 farms across the state of Montana who accept the coupons and distribute food to qualifying seniors. In order for seniors to qualify for the program they must be over 60 years old and fall within USDA income limits. In 2021 income limits were based upon 185% of the federal poverty level which resulted in individual monthly limits of $1,986 and $2,686 for couples.
“For many years, the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) has offered an opportunity for our older adults to access wonderful local produce and honey at its freshest and the farmers a chance to be part of this exchange. It has been my absolute pleasure and passion to be involved in SFMNP these many years. Upon my recent retirement, I cannot think of a more well suited organization than Community Food and Agriculture Coalition (CFAC) to pass the baton to. CFAC has the connections, resources, and knowledge to implement and expand this program within the markets, local farmer and community engagement, and the ability and motivation to build and continue partnerships with those programs that cater to our older adults. I wish them the best.” – Jacqueline Stoeckel, MSW Aging Program Specialist DPHHS, Aging Services (retired), Adjunct Professor, Carroll College and Helena College (UM)
Applications for this program become available annually in June through local Agencies on Aging and Senior Centers. CFAC is thrilled to be a part of this program due to the significant impact it has on nutrition for the senior community in addition to recirculating an added $85,000 into our local food economy. This program served 1700 people in 2021 with plans for future growth!
Please keep an eye out in our e-news and on our website for more information coming soon! Have questions now? Contact James Keys, Program Coordinator, at james@missoulacfac.org.
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