OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Farmers' Markets across Iowa will be opening this month which provides the opportunity for seniors to do some discount shopping.
Those that are eligible can receive coupons from their local department on aging that can be spent at area farmer’s markets.
This is to help supplement incomes of eligible seniors over the age of 60 be able to afford fresh fruit and vegetables.
“It is all done through the Department of Agriculture. They decide how many coupons each one gets in the state, each department on aging gets in the state so we have nothing to do with how many we get. I will say Ottumwa – and all of them –it's first come first serve basis,” said Pam O’Leary, Nutrition Director at Seneca Area Agency on Aging .
This year, seniors will receive $30 worth of coupons that can be used at farmer’s markets only if a vendor specifies that they accept them.
There are a limited number of coupons available.
“Ottumwa, we won't even get the checks – you know –until June 1 so even though the farmer’s markets are open they’re not open for that. They won't be available for the senior centers until then,” said O’Leary.
Those that are interested will need to check with their local agency on aging to see when the coupons are available and check to see if they are eligible.