Farmer?s Market vouchers now offered for senior citizens

As part of a national health initiative, Milestones Area Agency on Aging will begin distributing vouchers, starting June 1, to low-and moderate-income seniors for use at local farmers markets.

To qualify, applicants must live in Iowa and be age 60 or older on the date of application.

Milestones is the distribution agency for seniors living in Appanoose, Clinton, Davis, Des Moines, Henry, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lee, Louisa, Lucas, Mahaska, Monroe, Muscatine, Scott, Van Buren, Wapello and Wayne counties.

Disabled individuals under the age of 60 are not eligible through this program.

Annual income requirements are $21,775 or below for a single person and $29,471 or below for a married couple. Both husbands and wives may receive checks. Recipients must sign a statement of eligibility that includes their name, address, phone number and the last four digits of their Social Security number.

Recipients are awarded 10 $3 checks valued at $30. The checks can be used June through Oct. for fresh, unprepared, locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey at participating farmers market vendors. Checks cannot be used for baked goods, eggs, jelly, meat, etc.

Checks can be picked up at the Henry County Courthouse Rotunda, 100 E. Washington St., Mt. Pleasant, June 8 and June 22 between 10 a.m. and noon.

In the Winfield area, vouchers can be picked up at the Veterans Building-Nutrition Center, 116 N. Locust, Winfield on June 9, 11, 16, 18 and 23 between 10 and 11 a.m.

Distribution will also be available at the Milestones office, 509 Jefferson St., Burlington between 1 and 3 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays starting June 9 throughout the month.

For more details and other locations call Milestones at 1-855-410-6222 or visit the website at www.milestonesaaa.org