MARIETTA — The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program through the Buckeye Hills Regional Council served a record number of individuals in southeast Ohio in 2023, the council said Friday.

“This year, we are proud to announce that we have served 3,192 individuals, which is a significant increase of 850 consumers from last year,” Janie Collins, program development coordinator at the Regional Council, said. “This growth is a testament to the program’s success and the increasing demand for fresh, locally grown produce.”

A collaboration between the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Ohio Department of Aging and area agencies on aging including Buckeye Hills, the Nutrition Program provides income-eligible seniors the opportunity to enjoy locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey. Since 2008, the Regional Council has housed the program for southeast Ohio and has seen significant growth in the program over the last 15 years.

The nutrition program provides seniors with access to fresh produce and promotes healthy eating habits. Studies have shown that seniors who consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables have lower risks of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke and certain types of cancer. In addition to the health benefits, the program also helps support the local economy by providing a market for local farmers.

“The program offers older adults an opportunity for fresh, local produce that they might not originally buy or helps supplement what they are currently buying,” Collins said. “Many used to maintain gardens but are no longer physically able to do so. A few of the recipients purchase produce for canning and storing.”

Benefits directly impact the local markets, said Stephanie Rife, Meigs County Farmers Market manager.

“I am always grateful for this program because I get to see faces weekly that this program benefits,” Rife said. “Many are so grateful to be able to purchase fresh produce.”

Meigs County Farmers Market recently placed in a national competition by the America’s Farmers Market Celebration, winning first place in both state and regional categories.

“We are proud of the Meigs County Farmers Market for winning this national award, and we value the partnership of markets and farmers across southeast Ohio in this program and ensuring that it remains a vital resource for seniors in our community for years to come,” Collins said.

The Meigs County Farmers Market is among more than 40 local markets, farms and roadside stands that participate in the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program across Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry and Washington counties.

Although the program has ended for this year, applications will begin to be accepted for 2024 in March. Coupon distribution is contingent upon the availability of funds from USDA. Individuals interested in signing up are encouraged to watch the Buckeye Hills Regional Council website for news and information. Farmers interested in participating in the program can email Collins at [email protected] or call 740-376-1039 for more information.

To learn more about Buckeye Hills Regional Council, visit www.buckeyehills.org, call 740-374-9436 or 1-800-331-2644 (toll-free), or email [email protected].