The Erie County Department of Senior Services has been recognized by the NYS Office for the Aging (“NYSOFA”) for participating in the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (“SFMNP”), a federal assistance program designed to provide low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs to support their health and nutrition as well as support local growers. In 2022 the Department of Senior Services distributed $25 booklets for farmers’ markets to 4,060 older adults at 52 locations countywide with registered dietitians providing free nutrition education and SNAP benefit outreach during these distribution events. The vouchers can be redeemed at various participating farmers’ markets throughout the county to purchase fresh, local produce.

“The Department of Senior Services works hard every day to make sure that older adults in our community have access to nutritional food. As the designated Area Agency on Aging (“AAA”) in Erie County, we are excited to take part in the SFMNP and not only get fresh local produce into the hands of seniors but also boost local growers and producers,” said Commissioner of Senior Services Angela Marinucci. “Nutrition is very important at all ages but particularly for older adults, which is why our department also offers Stay Fit dining programs, our Go & Dine program, frozen congregate meal services, and other ways for seniors to obtain fresh nutritional meals.”

Over 800,000 seniors and an average of 1.7 million Americans benefit from this program every year. In 2021 the AAA network distributed 101,969 farmers’ market coupon booklets throughout NYS. This effort amounted to a $2 million benefit for low-income older New Yorkers as well as for New York’s agricultural community. Of that $2 million, Erie County AAA distributed 20,300 coupons valued at $81,200 with a total of 15,431 coupons being redeemed. As a result, $61,724 in fresh, local produce was obtained by older adults in Erie County, supporting their health and nutrition.

“Every year NYSOFA is impressed with how the aging services network selflessly implements the SFMNP. We are grateful for your hard work in getting the 2022 season up and running, as it presented unforeseen challenges requiring additional time, effort and patience from you and your staff,” said NYS Office for the Aging Acting Director Greg Olsen. “We recognize and appreciate your contribution to another successful Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program season.”

For more information:

On Department of Senior Services nutritional programs, visit

https://www3.erie.gov/seniorservices/nutrition

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