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Kansas Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. A USDA funded program through the Kansas Department of Aging and several ‘partner’ agencies. Provide fresh vegetables to low income seniors .
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A USDA funded program through the Kansas Department of Aging and several ‘partner’ agencies Provide fresh vegetables to low income seniors Support local farmers (growers) selling products at local Farmers markets in selected Kansas communities
Kansas Farmers Markets • Locally grown fruits and vegetables • Products are fresh • Products do not rely on distant shipments and packaging • Interaction between grower and sellers • Contribute to the local economy (taxes) • Contribute to local business development • Low risk markets for all involved.
There are 60 communities in Kansas that have a Farmers Market. These are geographically spread fairly widely over the state- concentrated in the populated areas.
Contributions of fruits and vegetables to the diet. Major dietary source of vitamins and minerals Flavors including sweet-acid combination Texture- crunch and ‘mouth feel’ Colors- bright green, red, orange, yellow Fiber- regularity Health benefits- phytochemicals or nutricuticals
Phytochemicals or Nutricuticals • Leutin- (yellow veggies and fruits, broccoli, corn)- eye health and memory • Lycopene (tomatoes, watermelon) antioxidant • Beta carotene (yellow color)-antioxidant • Folate - a B vitamin (citrus, raisins)- inked to improvement of heart disease • Glucarates (citrus)- antioxidan • Glucosinilates (crucifers)- cancer prevention • Limolene (citrus)- anti cancer agent • Ellegic acid (berries)- antioxidant • Anthocyanins (beets, red cabbage, blueberries, etc)- antioxidants, memory/brain activity
Health benefits of fruits and vegetables • Antioxidant properties- cancer prevention • Macular degeneration and eye health • Memory stimulation and enhancement • Low sodium • Low cholesterol • Many high in fiber • Fresh herbs provide flavor enhancement • Bright colors make attractive diets