Senior citizens on a limited budget can once again receive assistance to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.
This annual program makes farmers market coupons available to Stanislaus County residents who are 60 years or older and have a limited income ($1,860 a month for a one-person household, $2,504 for two person).
The $20 book of coupons (five, $4 coupons) will be distributed by the Stanislaus County Aging and Veterans Services Agency at local farmers markets. The Agency will be at the Turlock Certified Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. July 14, at their temporary location in downtown Turlock.
The coupons will be given out on a first come, first served basis. Between 100 and 150 coupon booklets will be distributed in Turlock. The coupons are good at any certified farmers market in Stanislaus County.
Other distribution days in July include the Patterson Farmers Market from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. July 18, 1040 W. Las Palmas; the Oakdale Farmers Market from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. July 25 at N. 3rd Street between E and F streets; and Hughson Farmers Market from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. July 27 at Hughson and Charles avenues.
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is part of the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service, which awards grants to states, U.S. territories, and federally recognized Indian tribal governments to provide low-income seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for eligible foods at farmers markets, roadside stands and community-supported agriculture programs.
The 2014 Farm Bill provided $20.6 million annually to operate the program through 2018. Throughout the country, 817,751 individuals received the senior farmers market coupons in 2015.
For more information, call 209-558-8698.
