(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Vernon Social Services Department has vouchers available for people 60 and older and who meet income eligibility requirements. The vouchers can be used at area farmers’ markets, including those in Ellington, South Windsor, Stafford, Tolland and Manchester.
To be eligible, individuals must have an income of not more than $25,142. Households with two adults must have a combined income of not more than $33,874.
The supplemental food program provides eligible seniors with coupons to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, cut herbs and honey at authorized farmers’ markets. The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.
“Farm-fresh produce is a great source of nutrition and buying direct ensures freshness and helps our farmers,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “I encourage Vernon residents who are eligible for these vouchers to contact the Social Services Department.”
For more information about Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program vouchers, please call the Vernon Social Services Department at 860-870-3661.
Qualified residents will receive a coupon book they can use to make purchases at eligible farmers’ markets.
“Good nutrition is incredibly important to a person’s overall health,” said Matt Hellman, Vernon’s Social Services Director. “We know that some seniors struggle to pay housing, medication and other expenses. These vouchers can be a big help and we urge seniors to contact us.”
Vouchers can be used at approved farmers’ market locations, including these that are nearby:
Coventry Sunday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hale Homestead, 2299 South Street June 5 to Oct. 30
Ellington Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon Main Street, Arbor Park May 7 to Oct. 29
Manchester Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 1088 Main Street July 9 to Oct. 29
South Windsor Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon 220 Nevers Road June 4 to Oct. 8
Stafford Friday, 4 to 7 p.m. 51 Old Springfield Road May 27 to Sept. 16
Stafford Carr Family Farm Open 7 days, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 6 Gulf Road April 2 to Oct. 30
Tolland Sunday, 10 a.m. to noon The Country Butcher 1032 Tolland Stage Road May 7 to Nov. 19
A complete list of eligible farmers’ markets can be found here.