Page 28 - The Indian EYE 071924

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JULY 19, 2024 | The Indian Eye 28

NYC Aging Kicks Off Farmers

Market Nutrition Program 2024

Qualified residents can use coupons to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables

from participating vendors; 55,000 coupon booklets will be available at 350 distribution sites

OUR BUREAU sources that bolster their physical
and mental well-being. Through
NEW YORK, NY
a network of over 300 older adult
he Department for the Aging centers and naturally occurring re-
just kicked off its annual Farm- tirement communities, NYC Aging
Ters Market Nutrition Program provides support and services that
(FMNP), an opportunity for quali- allow the nearly 1.8 million older
fied older New Yorkers to purchase New Yorkers to continue living inde-
locally grown fruits and vegetables pendently in their communities.
with coupons. This year, 55,000 cou- FMNP is a federally funded ini-
pon books will be distributed to 350 tiative by the U.S. Department of Ag-
local organizations throughout the riculture, endeavors to promote im-
five boroughs, an increase of 2,860 proved nutrition through increased
books from 2023. Each book is worth consumption of locally grown fresh
$25, with five coupons valued at $5 fruits and vegetables, while simulta-
each. Coupons can be redeemed at neously increasing the sales at farm-
participating farmers markets, farm ers’ markets and fruit stands in New
stands and mobile markets. York.
FMNP is another way NYC Ag- meals.” or visit the FMNP page on NYC Ag- The program is sponsored by
ing and Mayor Eric Adams are mak- “Promoting healthy food policies ing’s website. The New York State Department of
ing healthy, nutritious food more and practices remains a top priority The Department for the Aging’s Agriculture and Markets, New York
affordable and accessible for older at the Department for the Aging, and (NYC Aging) mission is to eliminate State Department of Health, New
residents. FMNP allows qualified this program strengthens our goal of ageism and create a community-care York State Office for the Aging, and
New Yorkers to buy the fruits and providing nutritious meals to older approach that offers residents con- Cornell Cooperative Extension and
vegetables needed for a balanced New Yorkers,” said Commission- tinued access to programs and re- USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
diet. This complements the meals er Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez. “The
offered at older adult centers and Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program
through the home delivered meal complements our community care
program. Using their coupons, old- plan, giving vulnerable older resi-
er adults can purchase fruits, vege- dents another opportunity to access
tables and cut herbs at participating the support necessary for healthy
vendors across the city. The program eating and healthy aging in their own
also supports local businesses by en- communities.”
couraging New Yorkers to purchase To receive coupons New Yorkers
these items exclusively at participat- must be: 60 years of age or older; Liv-
ing locations. ing in the city; Earning no more than:
“Eating a healthy and balanced $2,322 per month for a one-person
diet can unlock so many physical, household; $3,152 per month for a
mental, and emotional benefits,” two-person household; $3,981 per
said New York City Mayor Eric Ad- month for a three-person household.
ams. “Maintaining a nutritious diet is Coupon booklets are distributed
personal for me - it helped save my on a first come first serve basis until
life - and it’s why our administration Monday, September 30, 2024. Cou-
has made improving healthy eating pons cannot be used after Saturday,
a priority for New Yorkers. The De- November 30, 2024. An individual
partment for the Aging continues with proxy or power of attorney may
to make this part of its mission, and go to a participating vendor to pur-
I am proud that today we are an- chase food on behalf of a qualified
nouncing even more supports to help older adult. Coupons cannot be used
our older adults access locally-grown to purchase food online.
fruits and vegetables. I encourage To find a nearby coupon booklet
qualified New Yorkers to find their distribution site or locate a partici-
nearest distribution site and get their pating vendor, call Aging Connect
coupons to enjoy more nutritious at 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469)

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