Greensboro, NC – The Greensboro Farmers Market (501 Yanceyville Street) is kicking off a program to reach older adults with a new Healthy Living program. The efforts includes cooking demonstration classes, assistance from Market ambassadors and education, and doubling of coupons for fresh fruits and vegetable purchases for those who participate in the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). GFM’s Healthy Living initiative is made possible through grant funding from the Junior League of Greensboro.
The SFMNP double coupon program is available to recipient individuals of the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. SFMNP is a state-operated, federally funded program that gives seniors the ability to obtain locally produced products. SFMNP coupons are distributed by the non-profit Senior Resources of Guilford as a part of their Community Nutrition Programming. Greensboro Farmers Market (GFM) facilitates five food security programs to increase access to fresh foods and support those in need of nutritious foods.
GFM Executive Director Lee Mortensen states that the Healthy Living initiative and grant allows GFM to “continue to expand our reach within the community and to help us better serve our senior customers. The doubling of the SFMNP coupons will have a tremendous impact on this population as every extra dollar available increases one’s potential to bring home fresh, local foods.”
How DOUBLE-UP SFMNP Works
SFMNP coupon recipients must present their SFMNP coupons to the “Market Information Desk” on a Saturday or Wednesday Market day to receive a GFM issued coupon to double the value of their SFMNP coupons. The SFMNP and Double-Up coupons can be spent on fresh fruits and vegetables from over 20 verified farmers at GFM. A list of the vendors is available at the Market Information Desk and participating vendors will display a FMNP program sign at their stall.
Educational Classes Open To All
As part of the project, the GFM will host cooking classes using in season, fresh and local ingredients:
·Cooking for One on Saturday, July 13th from 10:00 to 11:00 am
·Eating Local & Healthy for Aging on Saturday, August 3rd from 10:00am-11:00am
Classes will be held in the Annex Room at the Market starting at 10 am. Classes are free however pre-registration is encouraged. Registrants will enjoy tasty samples and take home recipes (while supplies last). Interested participants can sign up HERE.
A Helping Hand
Junior League of Greensboro volunteers will oversee a “Healthy Living” kiosk and participate as “Market Ambassadors” on Market days to better assist senior customers who may need an extra hand getting around the Market or carrying heavier bags. Educational information geared towards this age group will be available as well.
About the Market
Greensboro Farmers Market, Inc. (GFM) manages the Curb Market on behalf of the City of Greensboro. GFM is a 501c3 nonprofit. GFM’s mission is to provide greater Greensboro with opportunities to purchase and learn about local food and setting. GFM encourages and supports the growth of local foods and artisan goods businesses to improve greater Greensboro’s economy, support better health through healthy eating and build social and community connections.
Location and Hours of Operation
Greensboro Farmers Curb Market is located at 501 Yanceyville Street – at the corner of Lindsay and Yanceyville across from the War Memorial Stadium. The Market operates year-round on Saturdays 7 am to 12 noon and seasonally on Wednesday 8 am – 12 pm (April 17 – October 30). The Market is an indoor facility with free admission, WiFi and plenty of free parking as well as an ATM.
For more information, please contact:
Ashlyn Martin, Senior Resources of Guilford, (336) 373-4816 about the Senior Nutrition Voucher Program
Carolyn Hulsey, Greensboro Farmers Market Assistant Manager, (336) 373-2402 – email: gfmassistant@gmail.com
Lee Mortensen, Greensboro Farmers Market Executive Director/ Market Manager – gsofarmersmarket@gmail.com
