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Seniors Benefit From Farmers Market, Nutrition Program Partnership
By Jo Ann La Russo
What better place than Huddy Park in Toms River to celebrate Farmers Market Week and to promote the New Jersey Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program?
"It's a wonderful program that promotes our Jersey produce and helps seniors get more nutritional foods into their diet," said Brenda Sloan, Manchester Township Department of Human Services director.
Local dignitaries joined with federal, state and county officials at a ceremony on the park's gazebo stage to celebrate the open air markets and honor the local farmers and businesses that make them a success.
The week of August 5 was named by the United States Department of Agriculture as National Farmers Market Week. Governor Jon Corzine announced the week as New Jersey Community Farmers Market Week.
Toms River Mayor Paul Brush welcomed New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture, Charles Kuperus and Kate Houston and USDA deputy undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services.
Toms River Council President Gregory McGuckin, Ocean County Freeholder Joseph Vicari, county senior services director D. Jane Maloney and JoAnn Benson, Toms River human services director, were on hand, along with senior citizens and guests to commemorate Farmers Market Week and to highlight the New Jersey Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.
"Farmers Market Week showcases the great service these markets provide by bringing nutritious Jersey fresh fruits and vegetables to residents' tables," said Kuperus.
"A farmers market helps the community; it helps the farmers and promotes our homegrown produce. The farmers market is important to communities and helps America meet its needs," Houston said.
The New Jersey Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program helps bring a balanced diet to those who might not otherwise be able to afford it, officials said.
The program allows seniors to put farm fresh products on their tables, said Vicari, chairman of county senior services.
"The program brings a well balanced diet to the economically disadvantaged and helps the local economy. Farm fresh means fresh," he said, "no middleman. People get better value."
Under the nutritional voucher program, qualified seniors receive four $5 checks to be used at their local farmers markets through November 30. The vouchers may be used for locally grown unprocessed fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs only.
Representatives from senior centers in Ocean and Monmouth County were on hand to sign seniors into the program and receive their vouchers on the spot.
Delighted seniors were able to purchase Jersey fresh fruit and vegetables at the downtown farmers market, some of which were picked that very day.
"It also promotes our Jersey produce," said Pilar Friere, Lakewood senior representative.
"The Senior Nutritional Program provides nutrition for seniors who may not be able to afford it," said Maloney.
The farmers market at Huddy Park is open Wednesdays, from noon to 6 p.m. from June 13 through October 24.
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