Summit County health promotion staff presented results from an inaugural Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program that ran July–October. The program targeted low-income seniors and provided $50 in state-issued vouchers (five $10 vouchers) to each eligible participant for use at authorized farmers markets and participating vendors.

Tabitha Allred, a health educator on the department’s health promotion team, told the board that the county enrolled 28 seniors (roughly evenly split between North and South Summit) and distributed $1,400 in vouchers. At county-hosted market events the department sold $1,175 of produce and donated $205 of unsold produce to the Utah Community Action Services food pantry in Colville; the state handled farmer reimbursement and invoice processing.

Eligibility and delivery: Seniors self-certified household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level; the health department enrolled participants on-site at senior centers and distributed vouchers there. Because some participating vendors were outside the county, a number of vouchers were redeemed at participating markets in neighboring jurisdictions when participants traveled.

Participant feedback and outcomes: Program evaluations showed 100% of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied and 91.7% reported the program helped them eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. The average participant age was 77. Staff said the program also provided social engagement opportunities for isolated seniors and created partnerships with a local farm (Fred Openshaw Farms), senior centers and Community Action Services.

Staff and next steps: Allred said the county intends to pursue the program again next year and explore ways to expand reach (including collaborating with community gardens and Meals on Wheels-style delivery) and to obtain earlier voucher allocations to maximize enrollment. Staff recommended adding Park City and other venues if funding and vendor capacity allow.

Board members praised the program and encouraged staff to pursue continued funding and expanded partnerships.