What is Senior Project FRESH?

Senior Project FRESH (SPF) is part of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.  Begun in 2000, it was intended to promote local farmers markets.  In most states, including Michigan, it has had the added benefit of providing much needed nutrition support to low income seniors.   The “FRESH” part of the name stands for: “Farm Resources for Expanding and Supporting Health”.  Michigan’s SPF is based on the Department of Community Health WIC Project FRESH.

 Who is eligible?

Seniors must be 60 years of age at the time of application, total household income must not exceed 185% of poverty, and they must live in a participating county.  Groups of seniors, such as those getting commodities, those in senior housing, senior centers, etc. may be targeted for coupon distribution.  Disabled persons who are 18 years of age or older and live in senior housing may also qualify for coupons.

 How do the coupons work?

The coupon books have ten, $2.00 coupons in them.  The senior signs the front cover, similar to travelers checks.  When they redeem the coupon at the market, they then sign the coupons in front of the farmer, and the farmer compares the signature with the signature on the front cover.

No change is given for the purchase, however, seniors can put cash with their coupon, so if they have items totaling $3.50, they can use 1 coupon and $1.50 cash, rather than using 2 coupons and losing 50 cents.

What can be purchased?

Seniors receive a list of what products can be purchased.  They are non-processed, Michigan grown items. 

Nutrition Education

Lead agencies are responsible for providing nutrition education.  This may be done by giving all applicants printed material and referral to classes or counseling.  Cooking demos and other ‘hands on’ nutrition programs are always good. 

This requirement may also be met by helping the senior access http://www.michigan.gov/miseniors and printing off a listing of congregate meal sites and other referral sources. 

What about local dollars?

As of the 2008 season, the USDA has awarded Michigan an expansion grant that provides 100 coupon books at no charge to each Michigan county.  Many counties have chosen to raise local dollars in addition to the 100 books, so they can serve more seniors.  Local dollars are matched at 50 cents of USDA dollars (from OSA) for every local dollar contributed.  Any local dollars that are not spent in the year they are contributed either “roll over” to the next year, or may be returned to the lead agency.