The cooler October days are here, and harvest season is wrapping up. We hope your garden was good to you this summer, whether you have a P-patch plot, a backyard garden or a few carefully nurtured tomato plants in windowsill containers.

Of course, even if you aren’t a gardener, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy fresh, local produce. In this issue of Seniors Digest, find out about the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Project, which provides older adults with vouchers they can use to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Then read on to learn about important changes in the Basic Food Program (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) that make it easier to qualify. You'll find out how participants can receive double value at the Columbia City Farmers Market. And check out some useful information about reading food labels in "How to Be Heart Smart with your Shopping Cart."

Also in this issue…

• Alzheimer’s family caregiver Doris Hill shares the benefits of attending the African American Caregivers Forum, which is scheduled for October 25 this year.
  
  
• A wide array of studies hitting the news over the past six months show that the verdict is still the same: exercise is the best prescription for healthy aging!
  
  
• Give your brain a workout with the "Prevention is the Best Medicine" wordfind, and learn more about the tests, immunizations and screenings that are recommended for seniors.