Fewer than one-third of senior citizens in the United States eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, according to the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. The U.S. Department of Agriculture aims to help more seniors have access to fresh fruits and vegetables through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.
The way it works is senior citizens aged 60 years or older who live in Stanislaus County and have a limited income ($2,461/mo. or less for an individual or less than $3,337 for a household of two) show up at the Turlock Farmers Market on Saturday and receive a coupon that can be exchanged for free fruits and vegetables. Each coupon has a value of $50. They are used like cash only at certified farmers markets to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, honey or edible herbs.
The coupons will be handed out from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Turlock Farmers Market, along Main Street between Center and Palm streets, until supplies run out. For more information, call 209-558-8698.
Affordable access to fruits and vegetables is important to a healthy lifestyle. Benefits of fruits and vegetables include:
- Vitamins and minerals, to protect bone and eye health.
- Fiber, to help prevent disease and maintain bowel health
- High water content, to help keep you hydrated.
Locally grown fruits and vegetables are often fresher when sourced directly from local farmers than those sold in the traditional marketplace. Fresh food is more delicious, and locally sourced food supports our local community and the families of local farmers.
