Summer “Farmer’s Market Checks” program saves money while encouraging fresh food use
A program to encourage healthy eating among older Iowans is set to return. The Heritage Agency on Aging will soon be making Senior Farmer’s Market checks available in Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Jones, Johnson, Linn and Washington counties.
The Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program provides check vouchers to Iowa seniors, redeemable at farmer’s markets and farm stands to purchase fresh Iowa-grown fruits and vegetables.
The program is designed to promote the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, to encourage seniors to shop at these direct marketing outlets, and to support the local farmers who participate in the program. The checks are distributed in this area by the Heritage Agency, as part of a program administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture.
Farmers’ markets and other efforts that support locally grown and processed foods have a positive impact on the regional economy. The markets generate an estimated $20.8 million in sales and more than 325 jobs for the Iowa economy.
To be eligible to receive the checks, a person must be 60 years of age and have a yearly income of $19,240 or less for single persons or $25,900 if they are a married couple. For couples, each person may receive a book of checks. The checks may be used at any farmer’s market in Iowa where the farmer displays a sign that says “Iowa Farmers Market Nutrition Program Checks Accepted Here.”
Complete information on the Senior Farmers’ Market Checks program is available by contacting the Heritage Agency, (319) 398-5559.