Connections Area Agency on Aging will begin distributing farmers’ market coupons June 18 at various locations throughout the 20-county service area. The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides qualified seniors aged 60 and over with coupons (checks) that can be exchanged at farmers’ markets, roadside stands and community supported agriculture programs for fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey. The checks can be used until Oct. 31 at participating vendors.
To be eligible for the checks, seniors must:
• Be 60 years of age or older on the day they pick up vouchers.
• Have a gross yearly household income of no more than $23,107 ($1,925.58/month) for an individual or $31,284 ($2,607/month) for a married couple.
• Live in the service area of this Area Agency on Aging – Adair, Adams Clarke, Decatur, Ringgold, Taylor and Union counties
• Applications are limited to one per person or married couple. No copies of applications will be accepted.
Each eligible participant receives 10 checks with a total value of $30. A person can only receive checks one time per program year. Connections AAA distribution locations in the south central region are as follows:
Decatur County – contact Ronda at 800-432-9209 Ext 8702 for details.
Applications and vouchers will be available at the congregate mealsites/senior centers, beginning June 10 at times determined by each site manager, call to find out the dates and times.
Vouchers can be redeemed at local farmers’ markets with vendors who accept these checks. Checks cannot be pre-signed, as seniors must sign checks when the purchase is made.
If a senior is physically unable to pick up or use farmers’ market checks, proxy rules must be followed. For details or more information, contact Connections Area Agency on Aging, 109 N. Elm St., in Creston or call 800-432-9209.