Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain, DVM encourages senior citizens 60 and older who meet certain income requirements to contact their parish Council on Aging to participate in the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP).   All participants must be 60 years old and have a household income of not more than 185% of the poverty level. For one person in the household, the annual household income level would be $20,036 or less and for two persons in the household, the annual household income level would be $26,955 or less. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry secured a  grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to participate in the 2009 program allowing senior citizens to buy locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers markets and roadside stands.  Through the grant, those who qualify will receive a book of five $4-coupons ($20), which can be used only to buy fresh fruits and vegetables approved by the Louisiana Farmers Nutrition Program from farmers at approved Farmers Markets and roadside stands (or farm stands). Farmers cannot give change for coupons, therefore, each purchase must be at least $4.00. Coupons are not permitted for grocery stores or non-participating farmers. Only farmers that have signed "Farmer Participation Agreements" with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry may accept the coupons. Current issue coupons will expire November 30, 2009. Seniors who receive the coupons also receive a directory, listing the Farmers' Markets and Roadside Stands where the coupons can be spent. Seniors who received coupons in 2008 will not automatically receive a new booklet. Seniors who qualify for the coupons must go to their local parish Council on Aging to re-apply for the program. Seniors who receive commodities through the USDA - Food for Seniors Program; those who have a Letter of Eligibility for the Louisiana Purchase Card (food stamps); those who have a Letter of Eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI); or those who receive Medicaid are pre-qualified for the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program because the income level to qualify for those programs is less than for this program. Those who pre-qualify still need to request the farmers' market coupons in order to participate.  Questions about the Farmers Market Nutrition Program should be made to 985-345-9483.

Farmers Markets & Roadside Stands

Louisiana Harvest Calendar

Louisiana Agritourism Activities

Council on Aging

Nutrition Assistance Programs

Michell Estay Director	E-mail
Rebecca Riecke Marketing Specialist
Linda Doiga FMNP Coordinator
Mailing Address 47076 N. Morrison Blvd. Hamond, LA  70401	Phone: 985-345-9483 Fax: 225-237-5630