Eat healthy foods

Eating regular well-balanced meals with lots of fruits and vegetables is vital to staying healthy. Good nutrition helps reduce risk and manage diseases such as heart disease, some types of cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis.

Many community resources help people with disabilities and older adults eat healthy food. They also provide information about nutrition and aging. Some community programs include:

• Group and home-delivered meal programs
• Community gardens
• Farmers’ markets
• Food banks and food gleaning programs
• Nutrition education programs offered at senior centers
• Online courses, publications, recipes and expert advice  are available through Washington State University Extension Nutrition Services

More resources about healthy eating

• Smart food choices for healthy aging from the National Institute on Aging
• Healthy recipes and ideas to stretch your food dollars
• Eat Together, Eat Better - Washington State University Extension Services

Farmers’ markets and local produce in Washington

Washington State has an incredible network of farm stands and farmers’ markets. Find fresh produce in your community.

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides a means for low-income seniors to purchase fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs at local farmers markets and farm stands:

• Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Fact Sheet, U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Local SFMNP Contacts
• Learn More about Washington’s SFMNP