Stanislaus County Agency on Aging manager Jill Erickson described the senior farmers market coupon program as a "win-win" for all involved.
"It's a wonderful partnership between the Department of Ag and Agency on Aging that brings in revenue for local farmers and helps seniors with limited income eat better," she said.
Stanislaus County received 1,000 booklets to distribute to local seniors, with each booklet containing $20 worth of coupons resulting in potentially $20,000 revenue for local certified farmers.
Low-income seniors can use the coupons to purchase locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs from certified farmers markets.
To be eligible to receive a coupon booklet, seniors must be 60 years and older, live in Stanislaus County and have a limited income of $1,815 per month or less for an individual and $2,456 per month or less for a household of two. Only one booklet can be obtained for each eligible senior on an annual basis.
Coupons will be available at the Hughson Farmers Market, located at the corner of Hughson and Charles Avenue) from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and the Turlock Certified Farmers Market, located at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on June 25 and can be used until the end of November at any certified farmers market in Stanislaus County.
For more information on the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupons, call the Senior Information Line at 558-8698.