Summertime! It's Time for Older Kansans to Apply for Senior Farmers' Market Vouchers

Kansans age 60 or over who meet income guidelines and who shop in farmers’ markets in Kansas can boost their health and their wallets thanks to a program that provides money through vouchers to qualified older Kansans.

The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging (NC-FH AAA) announced that applications are now available for the Kansas Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (KSFMNP).  This popular program provides $35 in vouchers to Kansans age 60 or better who meet income guidelines. Vouchers can be used to purchase fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally-grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey from participating farmers at local farmers’ markets.

Those who wish to apply for the $35 vouchers—or to find out if they qualify—should contact the NC-FH AAA at 785-776-9294 or 800-432-2703. Applications for this program are also available on the Agency’s website at www.ncfhaaa.com.

To qualify, seniors must be age 60 or older and have an annual gross income at or below $23,606—which is $1,968 per month. Vouchers are distributed on a first come, first served basis and may be used at participating markets from now to November 1, 2020. Eligible Kansans from anywhere in Kansas may shop at participating farmers’ markets with the vouchers.

“The Kansas Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is a  great way for older Kansans to add more fruits and vegetables to their diets—and is a fantastic way to support local farmers and farmers’ markets, too,” said Julie Govert Walter, Executive Director of the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging (NC-FH AAA). “We’re delighted to work with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and other Kansas Area Agencies on Aging on this initiative,” she said.

Walter said that The Kansas Department of Health and Environment would like to expand this program to other counties, since it boosts the success of farmers markets while improving nutrition of people in the county. Farmers interested in accepting vouchers should contact Warren Hayes, Kansas Department of Health and Environment Nutrition Program at 785-296-8060.

For more information about Senior Farmers’ Market Vouchers or to request an application contact us or call the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging (NC-FH AAA) at (800) 432-2703 or go to www.ncfhaaa.com.

Photo courtesy of shelley pauls on unsplash