VAFMA has partnered with DARS, VDACS, VSU, VDH & the Area Agencies on Aging to expand access to the Senior and WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program across Virginia.
The Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services-Office for Aging Services (DARS-OAS) and DARS-OAS’ agricultural partners: Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, (VDACS); Virginia State University, (VSU), and the Virginia Farmers Market Association, (VAFMA); along with Virginia Department of Health (VDH) WIC programs and the local area agencies on aging (AAAs) have teamed up to provide the Senior and WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (S/FMNP), also referred to as Farm Market Fresh. This program helps Virginia fruit and vegetable farmers and at the same time provides our participants with fresh, local fruits and vegetables.
The Farm Market Fresh program, also known as the Senior & WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (S/FMNP) is a federal and state nutrition program administered by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). DARS authorizes farmers to accept Virginia’s Farm Market Fresh for Older Adults and WIC Program (S/FMNP) vouchers at farmers’ markets.
The purposes of the program include providing fresh fruit and vegetables and nutrition education to participants; promotion and use of farmers markets as a direct marketing outlet for Virginia farmers; and promotion of Virginia fresh fruit, vegetables and cut herbs.
