The Cherokee Nation announced a Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program that started in May, which will give eligible Cherokee elders funds to use at area Farmers Markets.

“With this program, we can ensure food security for eligible elders, and it also gives them a chance to purchase more nutritional foods that are grown and produced right here in or around our reservation,” Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said. “The well-being for Cherokee elders is a top priority for Cherokee Nation. Our landmark Public Health and Wellness Fund Act has once again delivered on the promise of expanding opportunities for better health.”

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program will be administered by the Cherokee Nation Public Health’s Women, Infant and Children program, after they successfully started administering the Cherokee Nation Farmers Market Nutrition Program for WIC participants in 2023.

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is funded by the tribe’s Public Health and Wellness Fund Act.

PHWFA, proposed by Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner and enacted by the Council of the Cherokee Nation in 2021, earmarks seven percent of the tribe’s third-party health revenue for physical and behavioral health and wellness initiatives. The act has funded a range of programs and capital investments, including wellness centers, walking trails and behavioral health services.

Through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition program, Cherokee elders who meet program guidelines will receive a card that will be loaded with $100 for the farmers market season. These benefits can be used for the purchase of healthy fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs, honey, plants, nuts, peanut butter and eggs from authorized farmers located at farmers markets and farm stands throughout the Cherokee Nation Reservation and its borders.

Eligibility for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program include: • Cherokee citizen who is 55 years or older

• Resides within the Cherokee Nation Reservation • Has an income at or below 185% of the annual poverty income guidelines or adjunctive eligibility

• Cannot participate in another Farmers Market Nutrition Program The Cherokee Nation Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is expected to serve 5,000 elders this year.

“I am so excited that this program is available for Cherokee elders now,” Deputy Chief Bryan Warner said. “Not only is this an opportunity for elders to go out to local farmers markets and buy delicious healthier foods, but it’s also just a way for them to get out into their community and surrounding communities to fellowship with others. This program will be such a blessing to many.”

The online application is now open and can be found at https:// shopper. sol ipor tal. com/auth/sign-up/cn.

Elders can start spending benefits May 1 to Nov. 1.

The deadline for elders to apply is Sept. 1 or until funds are complete.

A list of authorized farmers market vendors can be found at https:// www.cherokeepublichealth. org/Col lections/ FarmersMarkets. Authorized vendors who accept these benefits will also have signage displayed.