Free Carson City Farmers' Market coupon books for seniors available
Submitted by editor on Mon, 06/01/2015 - 12:57pm
The Nevada Department of Agriculture encourages low-income seniors to sign up for free Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program coupon books. The aim of the program is to supplement the diets of low-income seniors with fresh, nutritious produce while supporting Nevada’s farmers.
The Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Inc., also known as RSVP, has free Farmers Market coupons for Carson City low-income seniors.
“RSVP distributes these coupons to ensure that low income seniors who may not be able to afford fresh produce have the opportunity to enjoy the bounty of the farmers markets," said Susan Haas, executive director and CEO of RSVP. "Our goal is to increase consumption of healthy locally grown fruits, vegetables, and fresh unprocessed herbs, and honey, which all supplement the nutritional needs of seniors.”
The coupons can be exchanged for fresh locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey at farmers’ markets in Reno, Sparks, and Carson City. The coupon books are free, but are on a first come, first serve basis, and limit one per person. Eligible seniors can use the coupons from June 1 through Sept. 30.
“What’s great about this program is that not only are seniors getting access to fresh fruits and vegetables, but farmers can submit those coupons back to us and get fully reimbursed,” said Bernadette DeMars, NDA Program Specialist.
Each eligible senior will get $30 in coupons redeemable at local Farmer’s Markets. To qualify, seniors must meet income criteria established by the Federal government. Eligible seniors must be a Nevada resident, 60 years or older, and must not make more than $21,590 annually or $1,800 monthly for a single family household. For a two person household, they must not make over $29,101 annually or $2,426 monthly.
Also, on Thursday, June 18, 2015 coupon booklets will be distributed at the UNR Cooperative Extension Conference Room at 2621 Northgate Lane, Suite #12 from 9 a.m. to noon or until the coupons are gone. Each senior can receive only 1 coupon booklet per season and must meet income and residence guidelines stated below. Each coupon book contains 15 - $2 coupons for a total of $30 which can be used at the Carson City Farmers' Market.
The market is open Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 3rd and Curry Street or coupons may be used at any other Nevada Farmers Market displaying the appropriate signage. Once the booklets are claimed, they cannot be replaced if lost or damaged.
You will need to present a Nevada ID or a Nevada Driver’s License showing a Carson City residence in order to receive coupons and must sign the self-certification form at the distribution site. Non-senior friends or family members may pick up the coupon booklet for a homebound senior but will need to have the senior’s identification and a note authorizing them to receive the coupons. For more information about this program, or to find out about RSVP services for seniors, please contact RSVP at (775) 687-4680 ext 0.
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