Applications are now open for the 2013 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. This initiative provides $40 worth of vouchers to low-income seniors that can be exchanged for fresh produce at farmers markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs all over King County.
To apply you must be a King County resident who is aged 60 or older (age 55 or older if American Indian/Alaska Native) and low-income, which translates to below 185 percent of Federal Poverty Level (FPL). To qualify, after meeting the age requirement, an applicant must earn $1,771 or less per month if living alone or $2,391 or less per month if living with one other person. For bigger households the FPL formula adds to $620 per month per person
“Seattle and suburban cities are fortunate to have a wealth of small farmers markets that provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey,” said Jesse Eller, director of Aging and Disability Services division of the Seattle Human Services Department, the agency that oversees the program in King County. “It’s a great investment in senior nutrition as well as our agricultural economy.”
Due to limited funds, a random selection process will be used to distribute the vouchers. Applicants who did not receive the vouchers last year may be prioritized in this year’s selection process.
Applications can be downloaded here and must be printed, completed and postmarked by May 31st. Application forms in other languages can be found at the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program’s website here. All applicants will receive a letter in early July to confirm their status. A list of local markets who will be taking the vouchers can be found here.
Applicants can also call the following organizations to complete their application:
- African American Elders Program: (206) 328-6840
- Asian Counseling & Referral Service: (206) 695-7510
- Chinese Information & Service Center: (206) 624-5633 ext 4178
- Latino Information & Assistance: (206) 764-4700
- Neighborhood House: (206) 461-4522
- Russian Information & Assistance (Irina at JFS): (425) 643-2221 (M/W/F) or 206-461-3240 (T/Th)
- Seattle Mayor’s Office for Senior Citizens: (206) 684-0500
- Senior Information & Assistance: (206)448-3110 or 1-888-4ELDERS
To find out more information about the program check out the flyer.
Photo courtesy of Aging and Disability Services of King County.
