Farmers? market coupons available

Once again Iowa?s senior citizens now have access to the Farmers? Market nutrition program.

This summer, seniors will be able to go to their local Seneca Area Agency on Aging meal sites and self-declare themselves eligible for ?coupons? to be spent at qualifying farmers? markets.

The eligibility requirements to receive the coupons are: 60 years of age or older at time of application, an income of less than $20,665 if single and $27,991 if married, and live in the service area of the Area Agency on Aging. Each recipient must complete and sign a ?Statement of Eligibility? form. Both husband and wife in the household need to be 60 years of age or older.

Each eligible recipient will receive one book of 10 $3 checks that can be spent at participating farmers? markets June 1 through Oct. 31. Coupons are for the purchase of fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs only at the farmers? markets.

Checks cannot be used for bake goods, and can only be used at vendors that have a sign posted stating they accept checks.

The checks cannot be used at grocery stores, nor will any change be given.

Distribution of the coupons will take place at the Seneca Area Agency on Aging senior meal locations throughout the following 10 counties of Appanoose, Davis, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lucas, Mahaska, Monroe, Van Buren, Wapello and Wayne.

Seneca will not have the checks until June, so those interested should check at the local senior meal site for their dates of distribution. Anyone who misses the distribution date can check at the meal site to see if checks are still available.

Checks will be distributed on a first-come basis. A ?Statement of Eligibility? can be obtained from the county site manager in advance, but cannot be returned until the date of distribution.

A proxy may act on behalf of more than one eligible recipient only if the proxy is directly related to the additional eligible recipients.  Seniors must not sign the checks until they go to the market. Vendors will not accept pre-signed checks.