I have some great news to share – because of your help in getting the $160,000 for Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program funding into the Governor’s budget, and ultimately into the state budget last year, the AZ Dept. of Health Services was able also to apply for federal funds for this program.
   The federal funds will become available in spring 2009 – they are for food dollars only – so it is imperative that the $160,000 for Senior FMNP stay in the 2009 budget. The $160,000 would be used for program administration and to serve some additional seniors – since the federal dollars are for food only, we need to have the money from the state to implement the program.
   It is part of a line item in the AZ Department of Health Services budget for $600,000 for Senior nutrition programs - $160K for the Senior FMNP and $440K for expanding a monthly box of staple commodities to vulnerable seniors.) Time is of the essence as the legislative session winds down.
   Please call the Governor’s office - (602) 542-4331 – or the Governor’s email http://azgovernor.gov/Contact.asp and your Senator and Representatives, as well as Senator Bob Burns - 602-926-5993 rburns@azleg.gov and Rep. Russell Pearce - 602-926-5760, rpearce@azleg.gov to let them know you support this critical funding.

• St. Mary's Westside Food Bank - Central Phoenix, Tuesday's 8 am - noon through September 30
• Mountain Park Clinic - Baseline - So. Phoenix, Closed
• Tidwell Clinic - Surprise, Thursdays - 8 am - Noon - through September 30
• In front of WIC office by Native New Yorker in Gilbert - Closed