Senior Nutrition Program
In 2007, the state of New Mexico began funding a farmers' market nutrition program directed primarily to low-income seniors. Spearheaded by the New Mexico Farmers' Marketing Association (NMFMA), the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program is modeled after a similar federally funded program. State partners include the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, the New Mexico Department of Health, the New Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services Department, and others.
Eligible Participants are individuals who qualify and are enrolled in the state's Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). More than 90% of those registered for CSFP are seniors 60 years or older. The federally funded CSFP is administered by the New Mexico Department of Health, and delivers food to people at 130% or more of the poverty level.
Now, in addition to their canned and boxed food supplements, participants in select counties may receive vouchers to use for fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers' markets across the state.
In 2008, CSFP participants who live in the following counties are eligible to pick up their Farmers' Market Nutrition Program vouchers at the times and dates that coincide with their regular commodity pick ups. Please note: all vouchers will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Bernalillo County: vouchers will be mailed
- Curry County: July 18th, 9 am - 1 pm: Salvation Army Corps Community Center, 317 E. 2nd St., Clovis
- Doņa Ana County: August 21st, 11 am - 1 pm: San Martin de Porras Catholic Church, 1885 McNutt Rd., Sunland Park
- Grant County: August 12th, 1 pm - 3 pm: Recreation Center, 1016 N. Silver St., Silver City
- McKinley County: vouchers will be mailed
- Rio Arriba County: July 10th, 10 am - 2 pm: Medanales Senior Citizen Center, County Rd. 142, House #214, Medanales
- Roosevelt County: July 17th, 9 am - 1 pm: Los Abuelitos de la Casa Buena Salud, 1515 W. Fir St., Portales
- San Juan County: vouchers will be mailed
- San Miguel County: July 17th, 9 am - 1 pm: Las Vegas Recreation Center, 1751 N. Grand Ave., Las Vegas
- Santa Fe County: July 15th, 9:30 am - 1:30 pm: County Fairgrounds Extension Building, 3229 Rodeo Rd., Santa Fe
- Sierra County: August 14th, 11 am - 1 pm: Elks Lodge, 703 Broadway St., T or C
- Socorro County: vouchers will be mailed
- Taos County: July 23rd, approx. 10 am: Taos County Housing Authority, 525 Ranchitos Rd. Bldg. 926, Taos; approx. 12 pm: Artesanos de Questa, Old School Building, #41 Hwy. 38, Questa
- Valencia County: July 24th, 8 am - 12 pm: Belen Recreation Center, 715 S. Main St., Belen
To Apply for the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Enhancement Program:
In order to qualify for the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Enhancement Program, participants must be enrolled in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. Contact the New Mexico Department of Health at 866-867-3124
Markets That Accept Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Checks Include:
- Albuquerque Downtown Growers' Market
- Albuquerque Growers' Market
- Albuquerque: Nob Hill Growers' Market
- Albuquerque: South Valley Growers' Market
- Aztec Farmers' Market
- Belen Farmers' Market
- Bernalillo Farmers' Market
- Cedar Crest Farmers' Market
- Chaparral Farmers' Market
- Clovis Farmers' Market
- Corrales Growers' Market
- Dixon Co-op Farmers' Market
- Edgewood Farmers' Market
- Espaņola Farmers' Market
- Farmington Farmers' Market
- Gallup Farmers' Market
- Jemez Farmers' Market
- Las Cruces Farmers' & Crafts Market
- Las Vegas: Tri County Farmers' Market
- Los Alamos Farmers' Market
- Los Ranchos Growers' Market
- Mora Valley Farmers' Market
- Pojoaque Valley Farmers' Market
- Portales Farmers' Market
- Ramah Farmers' Market
- Roswell: MainStreet Roswell Farmers' & Gardeners' Market
- San Felipe Farmers' Market
- Santa Fe Farmers' Market
- Santa Fe Southside Farmers' Market
- Shiprock Farmers' Market
- Silver City Farmers' Market
- Socorro Farmers' Market
- Sunland Park: Ardovino's Desert Crossing Farmers' Market
- Taos Farmers' Market
- Tierra Amarilla: Jardines del Norte Farmers' Market
- Truth or Consequences: Sierra County Farmers' Market
- Tucumcari Farmers' Market
Nutrition Education Resources
Learn about the nutritional value of many fresh fruits and vegetables found at New Mexico farmers' markets, as well as how to prepare them, by downloading our nutrition brochures in English and Spanish. Choose the fruits and vegetables in which you are most interested for yourself, a friend or a family member. Enjoy, and get healthy with fresh, locally grown market produce!
