Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program concludes Oct. 31

The Delaware Department of Agriculture is reminding senior Delawareans who registered to participate in the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program to visit local farmers markets and on-farm markets to use their benefits before they expire Tuesday, Oct. 31.

Beginning in June, eligible participants signed up for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program at their local senior centers. With a new system in place, participants received their SFMNP benefits card pre-loaded with $50 to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey at local farmers markets and on-farm markets.

Kathy Jackson, DDA marketing specialist, said, “Our registration for these benefits was extremely successful in late May and early June; however, we know nearly 400 of our senior participants have not used their benefits yet. With only six weeks left in the program, we don’t want these benefits to go to waste. If it’s a matter of remembering a pin number, all participants should have received a folder of information, and reviewing those documents should remind the participant of their pin number. They can also call the helpline number, 214-256-3083, which is also listed on the card.”

Seniors who cannot attend one of the participating sites may designate another person to shop for them.

Fall is the perfect time to get out and visit Delaware farmers markets and on-farm markets to access fresh fruits and vegetables. Customers will find lots of apple varieties, pumpkins, cabbage, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, autumn squashes, lima beans, sweet potatoes, kale, radishes, green beans, chard, baby bok choi, tomatoes, sweet corn, microgreens, lettuces, potatoes, garlic, onions, peppers, mushrooms and fresh herbs. Senior participants are also able to purchase honey.

To learn how to handle, store and prepare healthy meals with Delaware-grown produce, go to delawaregrown.com.