Farmers Market helps seniors

By CHARLES W. JOHNSON / News Editor for the Southern Standard

The Senior Center’s Veronica Soloman, left, signs up local senior Ella Sullivan for the Farmers Market Nutrition Program. The program provides vouchers to purchase fresh produce at the local Farmers Market during July and August.

The Farmers Market, Senior Center and Health Department have teamed up for the second year to offer the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP).

This program is designed to provide fresh, unprocessed Tennessee-grown produce, fruits, herbs and vegetables, to low income seniors age 60 and over in selected counties. It is also designed to expand the awareness, use of and sales at Tennessee Farmers Market locations. The Tennessee Department of Health administers FMNP in conjunction with other regional agencies.

Seniors who meet the guidelines for the program will be issued $30 in vouchers for July and August, $15 for each month. The vouchers can be used to buy fresh produce only, no canned goods or processed foods, at the local Farmer’s Market.

To be eligible for the program participants must meet all of the following criteria:

Must be a resident of Warren County

Must be age 60 and over

Must meet the following income guidelines:

One person per household, monthly income can’t exceed $1,037

Two persons per household – $1,390

Three persons per household – $1,744

Four persons per household – $2,097

For a senior on a fixed income living with relatives, in an apartment complex or assisted living, only the individual’s income will be counted.

For more information on the program and a copy of the guidelines contact the Senior Center of McMinnville – Warren County at 473-6559.

Seniors can apply for the vouchers at the Senior Center and, once approved, can collect the vouchers at the Warren County Health Department. Applicants are asked to call the Senior Center and set up an appointment. Applicants must bring the following information with them to their appointments: Identification, proof of residency and proof of income.

Seniors who meet the guidelines can apply through June 28 for these vouchers by calling 473-6559 for an appointment.