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State nutrition program cultivates local assistance The Oregon Department of Agriculture is recruiting farm-direct marketers of locally-grown fruits and vegetables to participate in the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, now in its second year. ODA is interested in updating its database of roadside stands in the hopes that more will participate in the program this year. Last year, 45 farmers' markets and 88 roadside stands in Oregon took part in the nutritional program. Previous participants are already in the database. This year, Oregon's award is $833,351, which will provide coupons for low-income senior citizens to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers' markets and roadside stands. Applications will be mailed to eligible farms, which will contract with the Oregon Health Division to accept the coupons. ODA will provide training and information on acceptable produce and procedures for reimbursement of the coupons. Foods eligible for the program include harvested fresh fruits, vegetables or herbs which are grown in Oregon or adjacent areas and are sold by farmers in stands or at farmers' markets. The coupons may not be used for processed foods (i.e. milk, honey, jam, baked goods, cider, cheese) or eggs, raw nuts and seeds, fish, meats, or non-food agricultural items. This year's program will run from June 5 to Oct. 31. Applications may also be requested by e-mail at [email protected]. Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2002 Mail Tribune, Inc.