Senior industry figures have called for the UK to replicate a US scheme to offer free fruit to OAPs – but questioned whether the cash is available to do it here.
Participants in the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program in Monroe County, New York, will receive US$20 vouchers, which may be used at 10 different farmers’ markets around the county during the summer and autumn.
Nigel Jenney, FPC CEO, believes the UK should follow in the US footsteps, but target the youth rather than the older generation. “This US scheme is interesting but traditionally the older generation is perceived to already have a betterunderstanding of the importance of produce,” he said. “I’d like to see the UK government do more to encourage healthy eating habits in the younger generation by broadening the Schools Fruit and Veg Scheme.”
Thepurpose of the plan, certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and funded with state and federal cash, is to encourage people 60 years and above to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables.
GretchenPeters of the Monroe County Area Agency on Aging said: “We offer the programme when the produce is at its peak, tastes best and gives the most nutrients. Some seniors are not eating things they should, and thisprogramme really helps them get the nutrition they need. Surely the UK’s elderly deserve similar treatment?”
While Rita Exner of the National Farmers’ Retail and Markets Association praised the US approach, she doubted whether the government would fund something similar here. “Unfortunately I cannot see the government currently making any moves to provide free, or even subsidised food, to senior citizens specifically; or that farmers in the current climate would be willing to provide foods at a less-than-commercial rate”.
Jenney added: “To develop a similar scheme to this US project here would be heavily dependent on UK government and local authority financial support.
Given the government’s lack of will to proactively do more to support 5 A DAY, I fear there isn’t enough appetite to replicatesuch a positive scheme.”
