Deadline nearing for nutrition program sign up

FILE – Vegetables are displayed in a produce section at a supermarket in New York, Monday, May 17, 2021. On Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, the U.S. Agriculture …

FILE – Vegetables are displayed in a produce section at a supermarket in New York, Monday, May 17, 2021. On Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, the U.S. Agriculture Department issued new requirements for foods labeled as “organic,” a move aimed at cracking down on fraud and boosting oversight of products increasingly sought by consumers seeking healthy and environmentally sustainable options. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)

by: Chris Robertson

Posted: Mar 25, 2023 / 11:47 AM EDT

Updated: Mar 25, 2023 / 11:56 AM EDT

GHENT, WV (WVNS) — The deadline for farmers and vendors to sign up for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is now approaching.

According to the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, SFMNP participating formers and vendors must sign up no later than March 31. In recent years the application covered both the SFMNP and WIC, but for this year the applications will be separate. Participants will also be required to do online-training once qualified for the program.

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Last year, vouchers were handed out to low-income senior citizens who qualified for the programs, totaling up to $504,000. The vouchers were worth $30 and could be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. This year, the vouchers will be worth $890,000 in total and each will be worth $50.

Senior citizens who want to apply can do so starting June 1 at their county senior citizens center.

For more information on the SFMNP, you can go to Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program : West Virginia Department of Agriculture (wv.gov) Farmers and vendors who want to apply request an application at SeniorFarmersMarket@wvda.us.