This summer, area seniors will have a variety of ways to obtain local fresh farm products, often at no cost to them. Senior Solutions is launching the “Eat Your Veggies!” campaign to help clients navigate the many programs available. Each of the four most popular programs are described below, and we even produced a 25-minute video to explain them.
Locally Yours is a new program this year, thanks to earmark legislation proposed by Sen. Sanders. Senior Solutions received some $30,000 to purchase “Farmshares,” weekly boxes of currently available produce from local farmers throughout the growing season. These fruits and vegetables will be made available at senior centers and meal sites, such as the Bugbee Center in White River Junction, Neighborhood Connections in Londonderry, the Springfield Senior Center, the Bellows Falls Senior Center, and the Brattleboro Senior Center, with more being added daily.
Farm to Family Coupons are a repeat of last year’s successful program, whereby income-eligible seniors receive a coupon book worth $48 to use at many area farmer’s markets and farmstands. These applications will be available June 1, and the program actually begins on July 1.
Senior Farmshares is a program whereby local farmers deliver boxes of fresh produce weekly to low/moderate income housing developments. The list of participating housing sites increases daily, and only requires an on-site “local coordinator” to run the operation on delivery day.
Crop Cash is available to our seniors on the 3SquareProgram. It permits you to use $10 of your 3-Square benefits to obtain tokens and coupons worth $30 at participating farmer’s markets. This year, there is a big change: in addition to buying fruits, vegetables, and seed plants, participants will also be able to buy dairy products, meat, eggs, breads, honey, and other farm goods!
For each of the above programs, simply call the Senior Solutions Helpline at 802-885-2669 to see which program would best work for you and get a jumpstart on eating fresh, local, healthy, vitamin-filled food this summer!
