AT THE FARMER’S MARKET
RED OAK — Low-income residents can receive vouchers for produce from Red Oak’s Farmer’s Market through an Iowa Department on Aging program.
Applications for Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition program are now available at 13 Area Agencies on Aging throughout the state.
“The Iowa Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program benefits low-income older Iowans. This program provides the qualified user with coupons which can be redeemed at participating Farmer’s Markets throughout Iowa for fresh fruits and vegetables,” Director McCalley stated. “Applications for the coupons are available through our thirteen (13) Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) throughout Iowa.”
The program provides low-income seniors with 10 checks for $3 each that can be redeemed for fresh, locally grown produce at authorized farmers markets and farm stands from June 1 through Oct. 31.
Red Oak’s Farmers Market is one such authorized market. The market is open Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. and from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturdays, however, vouchers can only be accepted on Thursday.
“Iowa’s farmers markets and farm stands are a great source of healthy and nutritious foods, and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program gives Iowa seniors greater access to these local food choices,” Northey stated.
A combination of state and federal funds will be used to make benefits available to more than 20,000 eligible seniors this year.
Eligible seniors must be 60 years of age or older with a household income level at or below $20,036 if single or $26,955 for a married couple.
Iowa seniors will be asked to complete a one page application verifying their eligibility, by providing their birth date and the last four digits of their social security number. Checks will be issued once per season on a first come first served basis.
The 13 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) will begin to distribute checks and nutritional education information starting in June.
Montgomery County is part of Southwest Eight Senior Services, based out of Council Bluffs.
For directions to that office, call 1-800-432-9209, or contact the Iowa Association of Area Agencies on Aging (i4a) toll free at 866-468-7887 or at www.i4a.org.