[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 34 (Thursday, March 21, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAMS--A SERVICE FOR MICHIGAN COMMUNITIES

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                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 20, 2002

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Farmers' Market 
Nutrition Programs, which provide a vital link between farmers and 
communities in need of fresh, locally grown produce.
  These programs help our small farmers sell their fresh produce, while 
improving access to nutritious food for seniors and low-income women 
and children. They play an important role in my district and in the 
state of Michigan. We have small produce farmers who struggle to make 
ends meet because they don't have enough steady customers for their 
products. They lose profits to the wholesalers who market their 
products when they cannot sell directly to their customers.
  Additionally, many communities and urban areas lack grocery stores 
with adequate produce, which makes it hard for new mothers to provide a 
balanced diet for their children. Without access to transportation, 
many senior citizens and low-income residents are forced to settle for 
less nutritious options.
  The WIC and Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs bring farmers 
and residents together in a way that helps everyone. Program 
participants receive coupons to be used to purchase locally grown 
produce. Our small farmers stay in business, and our elderly and low-
income children stay healthy.
  Instead of cutting these programs, we need to find ways to improve 
access to fresh, nutritious foods for those who need them most. 
Innovative pilot programs in my home state are creating new outlets for 
farmers to sell their produce. Several farmers' markets have been 
organized at senior housing facilities. These programs eliminate the 
transportation barrier that prevents so many elderly people from having 
fresh fruits and vegetables. These and other vital programs will end 
without continued federal funding.
  The farm bill will provide over $70 billion in funding to the farmers 
who feed this country. I urge my colleagues on the conference committee 
to work together and find a way to fund the WIC and Seniors Farmers' 
Market Nutrition programs to at least $15 million each.

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