DOVER, Del. (September 18, 2023) — The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) is reminding senior Delawareans who registered to participate in the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program to visit local farmers markets and on-farm markets to use their benefits before they expire on October 31.

Beginning in June, eligible participants signed up for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) at their local senior centers. With a new system in place, participants received their SFMNP benefits card pre-loaded with $50 to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey at local farmers markets and on-farm markets.

According to DDA Marketing Specialist Kathy Jackson, “Our registration for these benefits was extremely successful in late May and early June; however, we know nearly 400 of our senior participants have not used their benefits yet. With only six weeks left in the program, we don’t want these benefits to go to waste. If it’s a matter of remembering a pin number, all participants should have received a folder of information, and reviewing those documents should remind the participant of their pin number. They can also call the helpline number, 214-256-3083, which is also listed on the card.”

Seniors who cannot attend one of the participating sites may designate another person to shop for them.

Fall is the perfect time to get out and visit Delaware farmers markets and on-farm markets to access fresh fruits and vegetables. Customers will find lots of apple varieties, pumpkins, cabbage, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, autumn squashes, lima beans, sweet potatoes, kale, radishes, green beans, chard, baby bok choi, tomatoes, sweet corn, microgreens, lettuces, potatoes, garlic, onions, peppers, mushrooms, and fresh herbs. Senior participants are also able to purchase honey.

The following locations participating in the Farmers Market Nutrition Programs are still open and accepting vouchers:

New Castle County
• Bellevue Farmers Market, Bellevue Community Center, 510 Duncan Road, Wilmington, Fridays 4 – 7 p.m. / May 5 – Oct. 27
• Carousel Park Farmers Market, Carousel Park, 3700 Limestone Road, Wilmington, Fridays 2 – 6 p.m. / May 5 – Oct. 27
• Co-Op Farmers Market, Newark Shopping Center, 230 E. Main Street, Newark, Sundays 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. / May 7 – Nov. 19
• Glasgow Park Farmers Market, Glasgow Park, 2275 Pulaski Highway, Newark, Thursdays 3 – 7 p.m. / May 4 – Oct. 26
• Food Bank of Delaware Farm Stand, 222 Lake Drive, Newark, Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• The Market at Coverdale, 543 Way Road, Greenville, Fridays 2 – 7 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Village Farmers Market, Brandywine Mills Plaza, 19th and Market Streets, Wilmington, Tuesdays 5:30 – 7:00 p.m., July 11 – Sept. 26
• West Side Grows Farmers Market, Cool Spring Park, North Van Buren and West 10th Streets, Wilmington, Wednesdays 3:30 – 6:30 p.m., June 28 – Oct. 25

Kent County
• Fifer’s Farm & Country Store, 1919 Allabands Mill Road, Wyoming, Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Kalmar Farm, 4351 Canterbury Road, Harrington, Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Modern Maturity Farmers Market, Modern Maturity Center, 1121 Forrest Avenue, Dover, Thursdays 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. / June 8 – Sept. 26
• Tidal Farmers Market, 1313 Frederica Road, Frederica, Sundays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. / May 28 – Sept. 24

Sussex County
• Adkins Produce, 32008 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Evans Farm Produce, 9843 Seashore Hwy, Bridgeville, Every Day, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Historic Lewes Farmers Market, George HP Smith Park, DuPont and Johnson Avenues, Lewes, Saturdays 8 a.m. – Noon / May 6 – Sept. 30
• Historic Lewes Farmers Market, Lewes Elementary School, 800 Savanah Road, Lewes, Saturdays 9 a.m. – Noon / Oct. 7 – Nov. 18
• The Homestead Market, 24171 Chapel Branch Road, Seaford, Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sundays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Little Wagon Produce, 2667 Seashore Hwy, Greenwood, Every Day, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Marvelous Produce, 22880 Sussex Hwy, Seaford (Lowe’s parking lot), Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sundays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Nassau Valley Vineyards Farmers Market, 32165 Winery Way, Lewes, Sundays Noon – 3 p.m. / May 7 – Oct. 29
• Parsons Farm Produce, 30381 Armory Road, Dagsboro, Monday – Saturday, 6:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sundays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market, Grove Park adjacent to Lighthouse Circle, Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, Tuesdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. / May 2 – Oct. 31
• Riverwalk Farmers Market, Riverwalk Park, South Walnut Street, Milford, Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. / May 6 – October 28
• TS Smith and Sons, 8877 Redden Road, Bridgeville, Every Day, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Twisted Steel Cattle Company, 10967 Beach Hwy, Greenwood, Every Day, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The purposes of the Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program are to provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, cut herbs, and honey from farmers markets and on-farm markets to low-income seniors and to increase the consumption of agricultural commodities by aiding in the expansion and development of local farmers markets.

To learn how to handle, store, and prepare healthy meals with Delaware Grown produce, visit https://delawaregrown.com.

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DOVER, Del. (February 1, 2023) — The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) is now accepting proposals for the 2023 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The federal Farm Bill is allotting approximately $340,000 through a competitive grant process to fund innovative projects supporting specialty crops and creating new and better markets for the Delaware specialty crop industry. DDA will accept applications through March 24, 2023.

Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, nursery crops, and floriculture. Projects should benefit the specialty crop industry and provide a positive impact with measurable outcomes. Grants are available between $5,000 and $75,000 for projects lasting one to three years.

Agricultural producers, nonprofit organizations, government entities, for-profit companies, or educational institutions based in Delaware or with a business or academic affiliation based in the state are eligible to apply. Applications requesting funding for field crops, such as corn, soybeans, or animal agriculture, do not qualify for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

DDA is offering an in-person grant workshop. People interested in learning how to apply for the grant’s eligibility requirements and priorities are welcome to attend. For more information, contact DDA Marketing Specialist Ese Jessa by email at Ese.Jessa@delaware.gov.

Past Delaware projects have included expanding community-supported agriculture programs, research on new specialty crop varieties, deer deterrent methods to safeguard specialty crops, and marketing to promote locally grown specialty crops.

Proposals for the upcoming fiscal year must be submitted to DDA by 4:30 p.m. on March 24, 2023. The grant evaluation team will review submissions, with selected projects included in the Delaware State Plan for USDA’s review and final approval.

For questions about Delaware’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program or to obtain an application, visit online at https://de.gov/scbg.

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DOVER, Del. (October 12, 2022) — While the hustle and bustle of summer may be over, Fall is the perfect time to get out and visit Delaware farmers’ markets and on-farm markets to access fresh fruits and vegetables. Many of these venues will be open until right before Thanksgiving; however, the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) reminds seniors and WIC participants with Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program vouchers to spend these by October 31.

“We see a pretty even balance of residents who participate in the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs visiting farmers’ markets versus on-farm markets,” said DDA Marketing Specialist Kathy Jackson. “When shopping at a farmers’ market, participants have many more choices because more vendors are selling at these sites. On the other hand, some of our participants prefer to have the ability to shop at their local farm on the day that suits their schedule best. Depending on the family farms involved at each location, the variety of Delaware Grown fruits and vegetables will vary.”

In the Fall, customers will find lots of apple varieties, pumpkins, cabbage, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, autumn squashes, lima beans, sweet potatoes, kale, radishes, green beans, chard, baby bok choi, tomatoes, sweet corn, microgreens, lettuces, potatoes, garlic, onions, peppers, mushrooms, and fresh herbs. Senior participants are also able to purchase honey.

The following locations participating in the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs are still open and accepting vouchers:

New Castle County
• Bellevue Farmers’ Market, Bellevue Community Center, 510 Duncan Road, Wilmington, Fridays 3–7 p.m. / May 6 – Oct. 28
• Carousel Park Farmers’ Market, Carousel Park, 3700 Limestone Road, Wilmington, Fridays 2–6 p.m. / May 6 – Nov. 18
• Co-Op Farmers’ Market, Newark Shopping Center, 230 E. Main Street, Newark, Sundays 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. / May 1 – Nov. 20
• Glasgow Park Farmers’ Market, Glasgow Park, 2275 Pulaski Highway, Newark, Thursdays 3–7 p.m. / May 5 – Oct. 29
• Food Bank of Delaware Farm Stand, 222 Lake Drive, Newark, Mon., Tues., Wed. & Fri.: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Highland Orchards Farm Market, 1431 Foulk Road, Wilmington, Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The Market at Coverdale, 543 Way Road, Greenville, Fridays: 2 to 7 p.m., Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Kent County
• Fifer’s Farm & Country Store, 1919 Allabands Mill Road, Wyoming, Monday-Saturday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Twisted Steel Cattle Company, 14255 S. DuPont Hwy, Harrington, Every Day, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sussex County
• Historic Lewes Farmers’ Market, Lewes Elementary School, 800 Savanah Road, Lewes, Saturdays 9 am-noon / Oct. 1 – Nov. 19
• Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market, Grove Park adjacent to Lighthouse Circle, Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, Tuesdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. / May 3 – Oct. 25
• Riverwalk Farmers’ Market, Riverwalk Park, South Walnut Street, Milford, Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. / May 7 – October 29
• Adkins Produce, 32008 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, Every Day, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Evans Farm Produce, 9843 Seashore Hwy, Bridgeville, Every Day, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Little Wagon Produce, 2667 Seashore Hwy, Greenwood, Every Day, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Magee Farms Lewes, 33761 Westcoats Road, Lewes, Every Day, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Magee Farms Selbyville, 34857 Lighthouse Road, Selbyville, Every Day, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Parsons Farm Produce, 30381 Armory Road, Dagsboro, Every Day, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• TS Smith and Sons, 8877 Redden Road, Bridgeville, Every Day, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The purposes of the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs are to provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, cut herbs, and honey (seniors only) from farmers’ markets and on-farm markets to women, infants over four months old, and children who receive WIC Program benefits, to low-income seniors, and to increase the consumption of agricultural commodities by aiding in the expansion and development of local farmers’ markets.

To learn how to handle, store, and prepare healthy meals with Delaware Grown produce, visit https://delawaregrown.com.

DOVER, Del. (February 7, 2022) — The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) today issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the 2022 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The federal Farm Bill is allotting approximately $320,000 through a competitive grant process to fund innovative projects supporting specialty crops and creating new and better markets for the Delaware specialty crop industry. DDA will accept applications through March 25, 2022.

Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, nursery crops, and floriculture. Projects should benefit the specialty crop industry and provide a positive impact with measurable outcomes. Grants are available between $5,000 and $75,000 for projects that may last between one and three years in length.

Agricultural producers, nonprofit organizations, government entities, for-profit companies, or educational institutions based in Delaware or with a business or academic affiliation based in the state are eligible to apply. Applications requesting funding for field crops, such as corn and soybeans, or animal agriculture, do not qualify for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

DDA is offering a virtual grant workshop on February 14, 2022, at 10 a.m. People interested in learning how to apply for the grant’s eligibility requirements and priorities should RSVP by February 11 to Ese.Jessa@delaware.gov to receive a link.

Past Delaware projects have included expanding community-supported agriculture programs, research on new specialty crop varieties, deer deterrent methods to safeguard specialty crops, and marketing to promote locally grown specialty crops.

Proposals for the upcoming fiscal year must be submitted to DDA by 4:30 p.m. on March 25, 2022. The grant evaluation team will review submissions, with selected projects included in the Delaware State Plan for USDA’s review and final approval.

For more information about the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program or to obtain an application, visit online at https://de.gov/scbg.

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DOVER, Del. (March 18, 2021) — The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) is now accepting proposals for anticipated funding through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. DDA anticipates more than $344,000 to be allocated to increase the competitiveness of Delaware-grown specialty crops. Applications will be accepted through April 20, 2021.

The Specialty Crop Block Grant program is funded through the federal Farm Bill. It covers products, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, nursery crops, and floriculture. Projects should benefit the specialty crop industry as a whole and provide a positive impact with measurable outcomes. Grants are available between $5,000 and $50,000 for projects that may last between one and three years in length.

Applications should be submitted by agricultural producers, nonprofit organizations, government entities, for-profit companies, or educational institutions based in Delaware or with a business or educational affiliation based here. Funding cannot be used for field crops, such as corn and soybeans, or animal agriculture.

DDA is offering a virtual grant workshop on March 30, 2021, at 10 a.m. People interested in learning how to apply the grant’s eligibility requirements and priorities should RSVP by March 26 to Ese.Jessa@delaware.gov.

Past Delaware projects have included research on improving commercial broccoli production, expanding community-supported agriculture programs, research on growing persimmons, and marketing to promote locally grown specialty crops.

Proposals for the upcoming fiscal year must be submitted to DDA by 4:30 p.m. on April 20, 2021. The grant evaluation team will review submissions, and selected projects will be included in the Delaware State Plan for USDA review and approval.

For more information about the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, or to obtain an application, visit online at https://de.gov/scbg.

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