Local farmers’ market manager Mendy Frederick said Strain was pleased with all he saw in New Iberia Tuesday, especially the number of vendors selling fruits and vegetables in between growing seasons.
“We loved the market,” Strain said of his visit to New Iberia. “I have been an advocate across the state of farmers’ markets. They help to spur the local economy. We’d like to see more people visit local farmers’ markets. It’s not only good economics, it’s good for their heath and social interaction.”
  
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The New Iberia Farmers’ Market ranks as one of the top five voucher depositors statewide, Frederick said.
The program works by providing low-income seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for eligible foods at markets. Area seniors can apply for the program at the Iberia Council on Aging office on Washington Street.
As part of the program, representatives from the state and federal agencies often visit farmers’ markets to gauge all that is made available to participating seniors.
In addition, the state program is applying for more federal funding to be able to extend the program to even more seniors, Frederick said.
Pickings at the area farmers’ market are slim this time of year, Frederick said. This week vendors are offering the few tomatoes that remain in the fields, cucumbers, peas and green peppers. They are busy planting for the winter, Frederick said, but are still trying to get as much fresh produce to patrons as they can.
The New Iberia Farmers’ Market operates in Bouligny Plaza from 3 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and from 6 to 10 a.m. on Saturdays.
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