Monticello, NY – The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides an opportunity for eligible seniors to support local farmers and improve nutritional health by increasing their consumption of locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs.
The Sullivan County Office for the Aging currently offers Farmers’ Market Coupon Booklets containing five $4 coupons, for a total of $20. Coupons are valid through November 1, 2018 at participating Farmers’ Markets.
“Coupons are available to eligible seniors on a first-come, first-served basis,” noted Office for the Aging Director Deborah Allen. “In order to take advantage of this wonderful program, you must be a New York State resident and 60 years of age or older.”
Coupons are available to senior citizens based on the following income maximums:
- 1-person household - $1,872/month
- 2-person household - $2,538/month
- 3-person household - $3,204/month
- or any household currently receiving (or eligible for) SSI, public assistance, food stamps or Section 8 housing.
“Our local farmers’ markets are wonderful places to visit, not just for the fresh food choices but to meet local growers and producers, who very often are neighbors and residents of our communities,” said District 2 Legislator Nadia Rajsz, chair of the Legislature’s Health & Family Services Committee. “The spirit of caring and sharing – the essence of community – is in full force at these markets, and best of all, the money you spend stays local!”
Coupons may be picked up between now and September 30, 2018 at the Office for the Aging, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The Office can be reached at 845-807-0241.
For a list of local farmers’ markets or info on cooking fresh produce, visit Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County’s website at sullivancce.org/agriculture/buy-local-sullivan-fresh/farmers-markets, or contact them at 845-292-5250.
