April 2008 Vol. 27. No. 4

Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.

Fortuna -- Gardening for the heart
No farmers market vouchers
Play ball
Crescent City: Community garden project needs volunteers
Doorstep services -- opportunities for home delivery
Financial abuse ­ Ombudsmen learn how to prevent elder abuse

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No farmers market vouchers ­
Senior program victim of budget cutting
by Debby Krzesni

The Area Agency on Aging recently received notice from the California Department of Aging stating that the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program has been eliminated.

It was a labor of love to be able to distribute vouchers to low-income seniors to enable them to participate in our local farmers markets and increase their intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Not only did the program contribute to improved health, it also provided a fun opportunity to interact with the farmer who grew the food.

Last summer we distributed coupons to 556 individuals. Each coupon book was valued at $20. The $11,120 was destined to boost the incomes of local farmers which will be a significant loss to our community.

Excerpts from the Feb. 5 letter received by the Area 1 Agency on Aging from the director of the Dept. of Aging:

During the past seven years California has participated in the USDA Senior Farmers Market Program. In 2007, that $661,762 federal grant funded $20 coupon booklets for 45,000 low-income older adults. The coupons were used to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs at certified farmers markets throughout the state.

Unfortunately, California's state budgetary deficit coupled with the increased cost of administering the program since USDA program regulations were implemented last year, make it impossible for the California Dept. of Aging to continue to operate this grant program.

We are hopeful that in a better budget year, the program will be reinstated.

Debby Krzesni, RD, is consultant dietitian with the Area 1 Agency on Aging.