PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

“FARMERS MARKET COUPONS WILL BE AVAILABLE MID-JULY”

 Farmers Markets and participating Farm Stands are now open to provide farm fresh fruits and vegetables for good health and nutrition.  Again, this year, Delaware County senior citizens may take advantage of the Farmers Market Coupon Program to receive twenty dollars ($20) worth of free New York State grown produce.  These coupons can only be used for fresh fruits and vegetables, no baked or processed foods, at participating vendors.  Delaware County Office for the Aging will coordinate the distribution of the booklets for households of eligible seniors.

 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR 2021

To be eligible for Farmers Market Coupons, a person must be:

  • A senior (age 60 or older),
  • AND a NY state resident,
  • AND currently receiving or eligible for SSI, public assistance or Section 8 housing subsidy;

OR have an income that meets one of the following criteria: a one person household with a gross income of $1,986 or less per month; a two person household with a combined gross income of $2,686 or less per month; a three-person household with a combined gross income of $3,386 or less per month.

 

PROGRAM GUIDELINES – UPDATES FOR 2021

This year, each older adult in a household is eligible to receive one coupon booklet, if they meet the age and income requirements.

Eligible seniors must personally sign to receive their coupon booklet; no one else will be allowed to sign for them unless they have a legal POA, and can show proof.  A client may elect to have a proxy pick up coupon booklets for them.  The proxy must present a proxy form signed by the client at time of pick up.  A client can call the office to request a proxy form be mailed/emailed to them.  At the markets, caregivers/others can redeem coupons if the recipient is unable to shop in person.

Coupon booklets can be mailed this year if the recipient has SNAP, Medicaid, Medicare Savings Program, or the Extra Help Program.  **Clients take full responsibility for mailed coupons and will not be issued another booklet if they are lost in the mail.**

 

The deadline for distributing Farmers Market Coupons this year August 30; booklets cannot be issued after this date.  Coupons are only valid during the current program year from July 1 – November 30, 2021.

 

DISTRIBUTION SITES AND MARKET LOCATIONS

 

Eligible seniors may pick up coupons at the Office for the Aging at 97 Main Street, Suite 2, Delhi; Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm.  Other distribution sites include senior dining centers and senior housing units.  Please contact Yvonne Brock at Delaware County Office for the Aging, 607-832-5750, for further information.

 

We will be distributing coupons at the OFA office as well as the places listed below:

  • Downsville Fire House (15166 State Hwy 30, Downsville) – July 13, 10:30am-12:30pm
  • Roscoe Diner (Old Rt. 17, Roscoe) – July 16, 2:30am-4pm
  • Meadow Park Apartments (Fair St, Deposit) – July 19, 10am-12pm
  • Margaretville American Legion Hall (903 Main St, Margaretville) – July 20, 10am-12pm
  • Stamford Parking Lot (behind Tops grocery store, Stamford) – July 22, 1pm-2pm
  • Sidney Price Chopper Parking lot (165 Delaware Ave., Sidney) – July 27, 1pm-2:30pm
  • Roxbury Library Parking Lot (53742 State Highway 30, Roxbury) – July 28, 10am-12pm
  • Hancock Fireman’s Field (12-14 Park St., Hancock) – August 2, 10am-12pm
  • Davenport Town Hall (11790 State Hwy 23, Davenport Center) – August 5, 10am-11am
  • Margaretville Village Parking Lot (across from Fresh Town, Margaretville) – August 9, 10am-12pm
  • Deposit (parking lot behind Wendy’s) – August 11, 10am-12pm
  • Delaware County Fair (Walton) – August 16-21, 10am-8pm

 

Farmers Market Nutrition Program, now a permanent federal program, is sponsored by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, New York State Department of Health, New York State Office for the Aging, Cornell Cooperative Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service.