50+ Lifestyles

Farmer’s Market Vouchers for seniors beginning June 1

By Peggy Dykes
Community Relations Director
Milestone’ Area Agency on Aging

Milestones Area Agency on Aging will begin distributing Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program vouchers starting June 1 to low- and moderate-income Iowa seniors for use at local farmers markets. This is a national initiative administered by the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship in cooperation with the Iowa Department on Aging.

Qualifying 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 Scott, Clinton, Muscatine Counties along with Appanoose, Davis, Des Moines, Henry, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lee, Louisa, Lucas, Mahaska, Monroe, Van Buren, Wapello and Wayne  counties in the total service area. Note: disabled individuals under age 60 are not eligible through this program.

Annual income requirements are $21,978 or below for a single person and $29,637 or below for a married couple. Both husbands and wives may receive checks. Recipients sign a statement of eligibility with their name, address, phone number and the last four digits of their Social Security number.

Recipients are awarded 10-$3 checks valued at $30 to be used June through October 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.  Recipients are instructed to look for the vendor stall sign that says, “Farmers Market Nutrition Program Checks and WIC Cash Value Vouchers Welcome Here” as an indication that the vendor is certified to accept the vouchers.

Checks can be picked up Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Milestones’ office at 935 E. 53rd Street, in Davenport. Distribution will also be available at all Senior Nutrition Centers and some senior housing locations. A complete distribution schedule can be found online at www.milestonesaaa.org or by calling 1-855-410-6222

Peggy Dykes is Community Relations Director at Milestones Area Agncy on Aging. She can be reached at (563) 324-9085, ext. 212 or at pdykes@milestones aaa.org.