CONTRIBUTED BY SEN. TOMMY TUBERVILLE
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Legislation that would make pecans and other tree nuts eligible for the USDA’s Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) has been reintroduced in the U.S. Senate by Sens. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and Ben Luján (D-NM).
Rep. Barry Moore (R-Ala.-01) is leading companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The SFMNP provides fresh, nutritious, locally-grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey to eligible low-income seniors ages 60 years and older with a household income of no more than 185% of the federal poverty level. Eligible seniors can exchange coupons for program products at farmers markets and roadside stands. There are about 54,000 eligible seniors in Alabama.
The proposed legislation would make common tree nuts — almonds, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios and walnuts — eligible for the SFMNP.
Alabama is one of the country’s top pecan producers, ranking eighth nationally.
“The Farmers’ Market Expansion Act would be a huge win for both our seniors and tree nut farmers by making it easier for seniors to incorporate pecans into their diet,” said Tuberville.