Eligible Westchester Seniors Offered Farmer’s Market Checkbook
Seniors looking to stretch their food budgets – and savor the season’s abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables – may be entitled to a Farmers Market Checkbook.
To be eligible for this $20 value, people must be 60 or older and (1) have a monthly income at or below $1,800 for a single person; $2,426 for a couple, or (2) currently receive or be eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income, public assistance or the Section 8 housing subsidy.
The purpose of the Farmers Market Checkbook is to economically support local farmers and give low-income older adults access to local fresh produce.
The checkbooks will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis during July and August at designated senior nutrition programs while supplies last. Call the nutrition programs to learn the dates and times of distribution. Visitwww.westchestergov.com/seniors for the names, locations and telephone numbers of the designated programs and for tips about how to shop at a farmers market.
Applicants must come in person to sign the statement of eligibility and proof of age and residency are required. Only one checkbook will be distributed per household per season.
The coupons are valid at any participating farmers markets statewide and locally at approved markets throughout the county. Visit www.westchestergov.com/seniors for a list of these markets.
The Senior Farmers Market Program is funded through the Food and Nutrition Service Division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Markets in cooperation with the N.Y. State Office for the Aging, the N.Y. State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services.
This year DSPS was allocated 3,320 checkbooks by the state valued at $66,400. They are distributed to the senior nutrition programs in 23 municipalities throughout Westchester. Because the number of booklets the state receives to distribute just covers about one-tenth of all eligible seniors, DSPS makes every effort to allocate them to best benefit both seniors and the local economy.
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