SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE MARKS FARMERS MARKET WEEK BY ISSUING A CHALLENGE TO EAT LOCAL
Stresses Importance of Farmers Markets and Eating All-Jersey Meals
For Immediate Release: July 29, 2010
Contact: Lynne Richmond
(609) 633-2954
(FLEMINGTON) 鈥� New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher today called on state residents to visit their nearest community farmers market, where they can find everything they need for an all-New Jersey meal.
Fisher made his call at the Hunterdon Land Trust Farmers Market in Flemington, where there are farmers selling their just-picked Jersey Fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs and vendors selling artisan cheese, meat, eggs, baked goods, Jersey wine and cut flowers to beautify the dinner table.
鈥淐ommunity farmers markets bring the farm to towns throughout the state, with all of our summertime favorites, such as corn, tomatoes, peaches, peppers and countless other produce varieties,鈥� said Secretary Fisher. 鈥淭hese markets also offer federal programs that give access to this fresh produce to qualifying senior citizens and individuals in need.鈥�
Fisher marked the upcoming Farmers Market Week, August 1 to 7, at the market at Dvoor Farm in Flemington with Yvette Jackson, United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service Mid-Atlantic Region Administrator and state, county and local officials.
Certified farmers at the Hunterdon Land Trust Farmers Market and many other markets throughout the state can accept Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) vouchers for the purchase of locally-grown fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs.听 The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) program administered by the State Department of Health and Senior Services allots two $10 checks to qualifying individuals, which are valid through November 30.听
鈥淯SDA is pleased that seniors and WIC moms and their families benefit from the affordable, healthful and delicious produce New Jersey farmers bring to these markets,鈥� said Yvette Jackson.听 鈥淔resh fruits and vegetables are vital in promoting childhood health and reducing obesity. 听The FMNP is an important program that ensures that everyone has access to Jersey Fresh鈥檚 summer bounty at its peak.鈥�
The WIC FMNP received $1,036,730 from the USDA this year and is expected to serve 51,836 people.听 听The Senior FMNP received $1,082,296 and is expected to serve 54,000 people.听 In 2009, 48,228 WIC recipients and 36,360 eligible senior citizens participated in the program.
Given today's busy lifestyle, it is essential to keep focused on eating a healthy and balanced diet that includes sufficient servings of fruits and vegetables,鈥� said Health and Senior Services Commissioner Dr. Poonam Alaigh. 鈥淭hrough our programs, we can help to educate people about how they can apply the principles of good nutrition in their own lives.听 One example of this is the Farmer's Market Nutrition Program, which makes it possible for WIC participants and their families to share in the benefits of these healthy foods."
In addition, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients can use their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to purchase fresh produce from certain farmers at community farmers markets.听 This year, 14 farmers who sell their produce at markets like the Hunterdon Land Trust, have wireless equipment to process SNAP transactions.听 There are 21 of the EBT machines operational at various farm stands around the state.
鈥淎ccess to nutritious food options for families is an important part of staying healthy,鈥� said Department of Human Services Commissioner Jennifer Velez. 鈥淥ur New Jersey farmers have some of the best produce on the market. With EBT participation at many local farmer鈥檚 markets and stands, everyone gets to enjoy Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables!鈥�
There are 143 community farmers markets in New Jersey, 11 of them new this year.听
The Hunterdon Land Trust Farmers Market opened in 2007 to support local farmers and Hunterdon County鈥檚 agricultural economy.听 The market has been open seasonally on Sundays for the past three years, and this year the market added Thursdays afternoons.听
鈥淭he Farmers鈥� Market has become a community gathering place, with friends and neighbors meeting at the market to support the farmers, shop for fresh, healthy local food,鈥� said Margaret Waldock, Executive Director of Hunterdon Land Trust.听 鈥淭he response from the community has grown tremendously as people鈥檚 awareness as to the importance of local food production has increased.听 The feedback we鈥檝e received from customers indicates a real satisfaction in gaining direct access to who鈥檚 growing their food鈥攇etting to know their farmers鈥攁nd a growing appreciation for the seasonality of agriculture and the abundance of products available at any given time of the year.鈥�
The Hunterdon Land Trust was incorporated in 1996 as a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to the protection of Hunterdon County鈥檚 natural resources and rural landscapes.听 Since its inception, the land trust has facilitated the permanent protection of over 4,500 acres of farmland, natural areas, and open space in Hunterdon County.
Governor Chris Christie proclaimed August 1 through 7 as New Jersey Farmers Market Week to encourage all citizens to visit farmers鈥� markets wherever they live or work and reap the benefits of Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables.听 Likewise, United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has proclaimed the week National Farmers Market Week.听 In 2009, there were 5,274 community farmers markets operating in the U.S.
Jersey Fresh produce is at the peak of the season with most fruits and vegetables available, including sweet corn, tomatoes, peaches, nectarines, squash, peppers, eggplant, basil, beets, cabbage, collards, Swiss chard, arugula, kale, leeks, cilantro, parsley, dill, mint, dandelions, turnips and white potatoes.
To locate a community farmers market near you, visit听.
