The Newton County Farmer’s Market will be opening Saturday, June 15 from 8 AM to 12 PM at ESCO Park and will run on the first Saturday and the third Saturday through the month of August. The Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program will again be available for eligible seniors who are 60 and above and complete an application at the East Central Planning and Development office in Newton. This program will make funds available using the card program like last year that worked very well for both seniors and vendors. This program gives $50 to individuals who qualify for the program to use at any Certified Farmer’s Markets to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey.
The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce along with other state partners collaborate for the Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (FMNP). Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) bridges together farmers with consumers and income-eligible residents. These unique programs funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and designed to provide more access to locally grown fruits and vegetables for income eligible senior citizens in certain areas of Mississippi and to promote the purchase of Mississippi grown fruits and vegetables from farmers at local farmers markets throughout Mississippi. The program will begin in June with the issuance of FMNP benefits to eligible recipients. The benefits are valid for use at neighboring authorized farmers markets through October.
Shoppers can get the freshest produce when buying direct from the people who grew it. And fresher foods are usually healthier and taste better. Prices at farmers’ markets are generally lower, too. Fruit and vegetable growers can sell directly to the consumer, allowing them to have a closer connection with their buyers and make better profits as well. By eliminating the brokers, distributors, and shippers, state growers get to keep a larger portion of the sales price, while still selling at competitive retail prices. Katrina McCalphia, County Coordinator in Newton County for Mississippi State University Extension Service said the farm-to-table movement is responsible for the increase in markets in Mississippi and nationally. “People want to know where their food comes from and the farmers who grew it,” McCalphia said. The prices for local produce are set by other area markets like Neshoba County and Lauderdale County to keep everything uniform and competitive. For questions or information on the Newton County Farmer’s Market please contact the Mississippi State University Extension Service at 662-769-1004 or you can email Shani Hay, Agriculture Agent at smh964@msstate.edu
