The NAACP, University of New Mexico, New Mexico Department of Health, and local farmers brought boxes of fresh produce to Phil Chacon Park in Albuquerque for a ‘Food Is Medicine Produce Fair’ to combat food insecurity.

Eligibility and Distribution

Veronica Grego, program manager for nutrition programs available through NMDOH, said Native Americans who are 55 and older, and other seniors who are 60 and over, are eligible for free boxes, based on incomes below 200% of federal poverty guidelines.

Besides the free distribution of fresh produce, the ‘Food Is Medicine Produce Fair’ had demonstrations of cooking nutritious recipes and information on anti-hunger government programs.

‘I’m hoping that they learn about the fresh nutrition of our produce that our farmers are growing, and then they also learn about our program, the WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition through the New Mexico Department of Health. We want to expand our program to be able to provide this fresh produce to our community members throughout New Mexico,’ Grego said.

‘Food Is Medicine Produce Fairs’ will also be held at farmers markets throughout Albuquerque Metro for the month of July.

Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.