Record Numbers Take Advantage of Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs
December 7, 2009
Record Numbers Take Advantage of Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs
SANTA FE -- Numbers just released from the New Mexico Department of Health show that record numbers of low-income people took advantage of fresh food benefit programs at farmers' markets across New Mexico this year. The programs also put nearly $610,000.00 into the pockets of New Mexico's small-scale growers, keeping important food dollars circulating in local communities hit hard by the economic downturn.
"We're extremely glad these important programs are in place to help people buy more fresh fruits and vegetables from New Mexico farmers, and this year the numbers show just how badly people needed assistance," said New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture I. Miley Gonzalez.
Two programs geared for low-income senior citizens, one state funded and the other federally funded, had redemption rates of 116% and 96%, respectively, serving nearly 16,000 seniors. Under the state's Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition program rules, each qualifying senior received a total of $28 to spend between July and October for fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmers' markets. While both programs are somewhat new in New Mexico, previous redemption rates hovered around 70%, about 10% below the national average.
The parallel WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program that helps low-income women, infants and children purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from area farmers' markets also received unprecedented levels of participation this year, with nearly 80% of benefits redeemed, serving more than 7,000 clients. Historically, this program averages about a 50% redemption rate in New Mexico.
While current levels of federal funding for the WIC and Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs appear to be secure, in January the state legislature will determine the fate of $125,000 designated for fresh food for low-income seniors under the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Enhancement Program. Legislators should pay attention to this year's 116% redemption rate, and what that tells them about the need for food in their communities.
