Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

Helping Older Adults Get Access to Fresh Produce

Submitted by: LaSheena Thompson, Nutrition Care Manager

Cordelia is a 61-year-old woman who was born and raised in Lima, Ohio. She is the second oldest of 6 girls. Cordelia loves to garden growing her own fruit and vegetables. Three years ago, she was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis which is the most common type of hand arthritis. Due to her arthritis, she could no longer garden. She relied on her garden for fresh produce and being on a fixed income she was unable to purchase the produce in the store.

She heard about the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program from a friend at church. This is her first year participating in the program and is really enjoying her produce. Cordelia’s favorite things to purchase are peaches, cantaloupe, green tomatoes and strawberries.  The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is a great program for both older adults and farmers.

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is a USDA funded program that provides $50 worth of coupons to eligible older adults, so they can purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. The purpose of the program is to improve the nutritional health of older adults in the community and to increase business for the local farmers in Ohio. The farmers’ market is available all summer and ends November 30th. Anyone age 60 or older with a household income of 185% of poverty is eligible for the program.