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News Release
RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
For Release: August 27, 2008
Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402

RHODE ISLAND RECEIVES ADDITIONAL $85,000 GRANT FROM USDA FOR SENIOR FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management has received an additional $85,000 grant from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to fund the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program in Rhode Island. This brings the total funding for this year's program to $288,000. US Senator Jack Reed was instrumental in securing the grant funds for Rhode Island.

The grant, awarded to DEM's Division of Agriculture, is used to provide low-income senior citizens with coupons that can be exchanged for fresh produce at farmers' markets and roadside stands throughout the state. The program enables participating seniors to obtain fresh, nutritious, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs from all 33 farmers' markets operating in Rhode Island, including seven farmers' markets located in state parks, and state offices. DEM coordinates the program in conjunction with the RI Department of Elderly Affairs.

To qualify for the program, persons 60 or older make a simple self-declaration of income based on household size. Qualified persons will receive three $5 vouchers to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at approved farmer's markets and roadside stands statewide. The program will continue through October 31.

Senior Farmers' Market vouchers have been distributed since June at senior centers throughout the state. Interested seniors that have not already received a voucher book should contact their local senior center to check on availability of the vouchers. Information on the program is also available at meal sites across the state. Elders should call their local senior center or meal site, or they can call the DEA Customer Information, Referral and Assistance Center at 462-4000 (Voice/TTY).

Products offered at farmers' markets include, according to season, bedding plants, flowers, local vegetables and fruits, maple syrup, honey, jams, jellies and baked goods. Markets in DEM-operated parks and market hours of operation are:

  • Fishermen's Memorial State Park Farmers' Market in Narragansett, Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Blackstone River Visitor Center Farmers' Market on Route 295 in Lincoln, Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Haines Memorial State Park Farmers' Market on Metropolitan Park Drive in East Providence, Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Goddard Memorial State Park Farmers' Market in Warwick, Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Colt State Park Farmers' Market in Bristol, Fridays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
DEM's Division of Agriculture and Resource Marketing, which helps farmers with marketing information, offers a free brochure that lists the locations of all farmers' markets and roadside stands, along with addresses, hours, days and months of operation, and telephone numbers. To obtain a free brochure, call the Division at 222-2781 or find it on DEM's website, at www.state.ri.us/dem, by clicking on "Agriculture" under "Programs".

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