COA offers farmers’ market program for low-income older adults
Summer is here and many people are looking forward to visiting their favorite farmers’ market or roadside produce stand. Unfortunately, many low-income older adults can’t afford to purchase the healthy fruits and vegetables that can be vital in helping them keep common chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease under control.
That’s why Council on Aging offers the free U.S. Department of Agriculture Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. This program helps eligible low-income older adults purchase fresh, nutritious, unprepared locally grown fruits, vegetables, fresh cut herbs and honey through participating farmers’ markets and roadside stands.
Eligible older adults receive $50 in vouchers to be redeemed at participating markets and stands through October 31.
To be eligible, older adults must:
- Live in Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton or Warren counties
- Be age 60 or older
- Have an annual household income less than 185% of the poverty level (max annual income of $26,973 for one-person household or $36,482 for two-person household)
- Each eligible person in a household may apply
Council on Aging is currently enrolling eligible older adults in the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program at enrollment events across its service area this May. Older adults who would like to enroll must attend one of these events.
A list of enrollment dates and locations, as well as a list of participating farmers’ markets is available on Council on Aging’s website.