With Arkansas having one of the highest rates of hunger among seniors in the country, the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas will be offering an opportunity for obtaining fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables for free.The USDA Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides one $50 coupon book per household to senior adults age 60 and older to purchase locally grown fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs and honey at local farmer’s markets from approved vendors.
To be eligible to receive a coupon book, seniors must meet monthly household income guidelines of $1,926 for a family of one, $2,607 for a family of two, $3,288 for a family of three, or $3,970 for a family of four.
Coupon books will be available in five counties in North Central Arkansas.
The first will be offered Wednesday at the Newton County Senior Activity and Wellness Center, located at 100 East Clark Street in Jasper.
On Thursday, coupon books will be available in Baxter County at the Arthur L. VanMatre Senior Activity and Wellness Center, located at 1101 Spring Street in Cooper Park in Mountain Home.
On Friday, qualifying seniors may obtain coupon books at the Searcy County Senior Activity Center, located at 509 Zack Road in Marshall.
Coupon books will be available the following week in two other counties.
On May 21, qualifying seniors may obtain books at the Boone County Senior Activity and Wellness Center, located at 1516 Rock Springs Road in Harrison.
On May 22, coupon books will be available at the Marion County Senior Activity and Wellness Center, located at 5966 State Hwy. 202 West in Flippin.
At all sites the coupon books will be available form 9 a.m. until noon.
To receive a coupon book, seniors must bring a photo ID and proof of household income to the designated locations. Coupon books will be available on a first-come first-served basis.
The Food Bank of North Central Arkansas will be present to offer information on available programs, as well as assistance applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Care Coordinators from the Area Agency on Aging will also assist seniors in applying for the Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid and extra help with prescription drug costs.
For more information, call the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas at 1-800-432-9721.
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