Welcome to Skagit County

August 14th, 2007

SKAGIT SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM RECEIVES GRANT FUNDS TO PROVIDE FRESH LOCAL FRUITS AND VEGETABLES TO SENIORS

SKAGIT COUNTY - The Skagit Senior Nutrition Program has again been awarded grant funds totaling $4,746 from Northwest Regional Council to support the Senior Farmer Market Nutrition Program, which allows the Nutrition Program to provide fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables to the senior population in Skagit County.

Between the months of July through October, the Skagit Senior Nutrition Program uses grant funds to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables from local Skagit farmers. The nutrition program packages and coordinates delivery of this produce, so that it can be delivered by volunteers to homebound Meals on Wheels Participants with their daily hot meal.

This locally grown produce gives the seniors in our community a chance to indulge in fresh fruits and vegetables that they may not normally be able to purchase due to illness, transportation or economic reasons. It is essential for the senior population to have diets high in fruits and vegetables to improve health and overall nutritional status. The Skagit Nutrition Program also provides informational brochures to seniors in order to educate them of the health benefits of the fresh produce they receive.

“Another benefit of the Senior Nutrition Farmer’s Market Program is that it supports the local farmers by purchasing locally grown produce in the area,” said Skagit Senior Services Director Jennifer Kingsley. “Our Farmer’s Market program provides support to the agricultural community of Skagit County by increasing marketing opportunities for local farms, strengthening the local economies and communities, and by preserving the farmland in our county.”

To further support the agricultural community of Skagit County, the Skagit Senior Nutrition Program purchases fresh produce from local farmers May - October, for use in the homemade hot home delivered and Senior Center lunch meals that are prepared daily at the Burlington Nutrition Central Kitchen. The Senior Nutrition Program is required to provide three servings of fruits and/or vegetables daily, so purchasing local fresh produce not only supports farming, but it improves the quality and enjoyment of the meals served to seniors.

For further information, contact: Jennifer Kingsley

Senior Services Director

360-336-9315