Seniors looking to increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables and stretch their food budgets this summer and fall may be entitled to a Farmers Market Checkbook. To be eligible, individuals must be 60 years of age or older AND have a monthly income at or below $2096/month for a one-person household, $2,823 for a two-person household or $3,551 for a three-person household.
The Senior Farmers Market Program is funded through the Food and Nutrition Service division of the United States Department of Agriculture and Markets in cooperation with the NY State Office for the Aging, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services.
The Farmers Market Senior Nutrition Program is for eligible older adults on a FIRST-COME FIRST-SERVED basis. Eligible seniors should participate only if they are planning to use the coupons at the participating markets. Each checkbook has a value of $25 and individual Farmers Market Checks are worth $5.00 each. Farmers will not give change. If a purchase is less than $5.00, farmers will add additional items of the recipient’s choice to make up the difference.
The purpose of the Senior Farmers Market Program is to provide resources in the form of fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs from farmers’ markets and community supported agriculture programs to low-income seniors; to increase the consumption of locally grown food by expanding farmers’ markets and community supported agriculture programs. The program also serves a purpose in the development of new and additional farmers’ markets and community supported agriculture programs.
The checkbooks will be distributed to eligible seniors beginning August 3rd until supplies last at the Hugh Doyle Senior Center Senior Center, located at 94 Davis Avenue. New for this year! The times of distribution will be 9:30-11:30& 1:00-3:00 Monday-Thursday. Applicants must wear a face mask, and bring their own pen. Proof of age and residency are required. Applicants must come in person to sign the statement of eligibility. (Power of Attorney must provide proof). Each older adult in a household is eligible to receive a booklet if they meet the age and income requirements.
The coupons are valid at any participating New York State Farmers Market and locally the checkbooks can be used at the Down to Earth Farmer’s Market at Thomas Paine Cottage every Friday (8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or sellout).
For more information on the Farmer’s Market Coupons contact the Hugh Doyle Senior Center at 914-235-2363.