Free Farm Fresh Produce for RI Seniors in Need
Rhode Island seniors who struggle with food insecurity now have more ways to get nutritious, locally-grown produce thanks to the Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP).
The program began as a pilot last year, and it was announced this month that SFMNP will continue into the spring. A partnership between the RI Department of Environmental Management, Office of Healthy Aging and Farm Fresh RI, the program has already distributed thousands of boxes of fresh, healthy food to seniors in need.
Over the next couple of months, more than 13,000 additional boxes will be distributed from 75 sites across the state, including senior centers, meal sites, and low-income senior housing sites.
The boxes will include:
- about $20 worth of fresh produce
- nutrition info
- recipe ideas
- storage information
The SFMNP has been lauded for both its goals of addressing food insecurity, and keeping food security funds in Rhode Island by supporting local farmers. The program also shortens the supply chain, which means produce is fresher and closer to its nutritional peak.
If you or a senior you care about is interested in applying for a fresh produce box, you can find the eligibility criteria and application forms at the SFMNP homepage. The deadline to apply for this round is April 15th, 2022.
According to Rhode Island Community Food Bank, nearly 1 in 10 Rhode Island seniors are food insecure, which is one of the highest rates in the country. The rate of RI seniors with very low food insecurity is the highest in the country at 5.4%.
To find food assistance where you are, you can use the Find Food map or list on the RI Food Bank website. It includes information including hours, accessibility, and language service on food pantries and meal sites throughout Rhode Island. Listings are updated at least monthly to ensure the directory is accurate, but it’s recommended that people call ahead to confirm hours and determine whether they need to bring information with them or make an appointment.
You can also always call 211 to be connected with the United Way’s 24/7/365 community resource finder.