Department of Elder Affairs Secretary, Gema G. Hernández, D.P.A., will kick off a program that provides $20 of fresh fruits and vegetables each month to elders who qualify in the Alachua County area.
This program can be a model for the entire state because it addresses two unique populations: our elders and their nutritional needs, and our farmers and their economic well-being,” said Secretary Gema G. Hernández. “This wonderful example of public and private partnership treats elders as consumers rather than clients, allowing them to maintain their independence and, most importantly, the opportunity to make choices,” she said.
U.S. Rep. Karen Thurman said she would like to encourage seniors who qualify for the program to come by the Alachua County Farmers' Market on Saturday, May 19, to sign up and receive the coupons for the locally grown fruits and vegetables.
This innovative program provides low-income seniors in Alachua County with the finest quality produce available on the market. But we need to get the word out, so the seniors who qualify for the program can truly take advantage of it,” Rep. Thurman said.
"The Elder Farmers Market Nutrition Pilot Program, funded by a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, provides coupons to individuals age 60 or better who meet an annual household income requirement. The coupons can be used at five Alachua County farmers markets."
The event is scheduled as follows:
9:30 a.m., Saturday, May 19, 2001
Alachua County Farmers Market
5901 NW 34th St., at US Hwy 441
Gainesville, Florida
The Department of Elder Affairs is operating the program in cooperation with ElderCare of Alachua County and the Mid-Florida Area Agency on Aging. For more information on eligibility for the program, contact ElderCare Services of Alachua County at 352-265-9040.
Elders are encouraged to attend the event
Joan L. Spainhower, APR, CPRC
Tel: 850/414-2000, Ext. 3280
Fax: 850/414-2004
SECRETARY GEMA G. HERNÁNDEZ, D.P.A., AND U.S. REP. KAREN THURMAN |
