Senior Farmers Market Vouchers will be available July 14 after a six-week delay.
“We and seniors were very disappointed the vouchers were not available June 1st as expected. People start calling us in May checking on when the vouchers will be available,” Southeast Kansas Area Agency on ging Associate Director Stacy Dickerhoof said. “So many of our seniors are on a limited income and this is the only way for them to have access to fresh vegetables. The number of vouchers we will be getting has been cut by half, so the vouchers will go fast.”
The Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service. The program provides annual benefits to low-income seniors to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs and honey from authorized farmers at Farmers Markets in Kansas.
Benefits are given out on a first-come, first-serve basis. The person must be at least 60 years old and meet financial guidelines. Applications will be available at the following locations: Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall, Fort Scott; City of Iola, 2 W. Jackson; Parsons Public Library, 311 S. 17th, Iola; Pittsburg Housing Authority, 101 N. Pine, Pittsburg; and Chanute SEKAAA, 1 W. Ash, Chanute.
Benefits are distributed until Sept. 30, or until benefits are gone, whichever happens first. Applicants who qualify will receive a booklet of $5 coupons for a one-time annual benefit of $50 to purchase eligible foods from authorized farmers. For more information call SEKAAA at (620) 4312980.
