From Farm to Seniors Tables in a Snap

Aging Ahead and Missouri Department of Agriculture have partnered to provide seniors with fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers markets through the Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. Join us at one of our Senior Centers during registration week July 15-19.

Farmers markets are an accessible and affordable way to get fresh fruit and vegetables to your table.

Benefits of Visiting Local Farmers Markets:

• Buying from farmers markets support your local farmer.
• Fruits and vegetables will stay fresh longer because they have not traveled from places afar.
• You can try new fruits and vegetables you do not normally find at the grocery store.
• A wide selection of fresh produce that has peak nutrition quality.
• The opportunity to interact directly with farmers and producers in your community.
• You are able to connect with others who can share recipes or tips on lengthening shelf life of your produce.

The Seasonality of Missouri Fruit and Vegetable Crops chart can help you decide which fruit and vegetables would be best to buy based on seasonality. if you forget this chart at home, no worries! Just ask one of the farmers about the freshest produce, how to know when certain items are ripe, and tips on preparing. Try making a Garden Waldorf Salad or Cucumber Yogurt Dip with your Farmers Market finds today.

Farmers Market Word Search

A ‘penne’ for your thoughts on adding more fruits and vegetables to your plate from the farmers market? Aging Ahead’s dietitian, Tammy, can help teach you how to select, store, prepare, and reuse fresh produce you find at farmers markets. Contact Tammy at tsearle@agingahead.org or (636) 207-4225.