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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Once again Iowa’s Seniors now have access to the Farmers’ Market nutrition program. 

This summer seniors will be able to go to their local Seneca Area Agency on Aging meal sites and self–declare themselves eligible for “coupons” to be spent at qualifying farmers’ markets.  The eligibility requirements to receive the coupons are: 60 years of age or older at time of application, an income of less than $20,147 if single and $27,214 if married, and live in the service area of this Area Agency on Aging. 

Each recipient must complete and sign a “Statement of Eligibility” form.  For a husband and wife, both in the household need to be 60 years of age or older.  Each eligible recipient will receive one book of 10 $3 checks that can be spent at participating farmers’ markets June 1-October 31, 2011. 

The coupons will have a face value of $3 and they are for the purchase of fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs only at the farmers’ markets.  They cannot be used at grocery stores, nor will any change be given.

Distribution of the coupons will take place at the Seneca Area Agency on Aging senior meal locations throughout the following ten counties of Appanoose, Davis, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lucas, Mahaska, Monroe, Van Buren, Wapello and Wayne. 

However, if you miss the distribution date, check at your local meal site to see if the checks are still available.  Checks will be distributed on a first come basis. A “Statement of Eligibility” can be obtained from the County Site Manager in advance but cannot be returned until the date of distribution.

A proxy may act on behalf of more then one eligible recipient only if the proxy is directly related to the additional eligible recipients.  Seniors must not sign the checks until they go to the market!  Vendors will not accept pre-signed checks.

Checks cannot be used for bake goods, and will only be able to use at vendors that have a sign posted that they accept checks.

Ottumwa ~ Salvation Army ~ 725 W 2^nd ~ Fri. June 3, ~ 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Ottumwa ~ Westgate Towers ~ Residents ONLY ~ Mon. June 13~ 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Ottumwa ~ Camelot Towers ~ Residents ONLY ~ Tues. June 14 ~ 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Ottumwa ~ South Oak Towers ~ Residents ONLY ~ Fri. June 11 ~ 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Agency ~ United Methodist Church ~ 119 N College ~ Tues. June 7 ~ 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Eddyville ~ American Legion Bldg ~ 207 Walnut ~ Wed. June 8 ~ 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.