by Cynthia E. Field. Republished with permission from South Kingston Patch.com.
Again this year, thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), eligible Rhode Island residents can receive $15 in vouchers to buy fruits and veggies at participating farmers markets and roadside farm stands.
The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is a nationwide initiative to help low-income seniors and disabled individuals enjoy access to fresh, locally grown produce, honey, and culinary herbs.
Through SFMNP, the USDA endeavors toincrease the number of farmers markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture (CSA) programs in our communities.
Locally Grown Appetites
Last year 100 area residents applied for and received voucher booklets, explained Jill Creamer who is the Community Information Specialist at The Center, South Kingstown's senior services facility on St. Dominic Road, off Broad Rock Road in Wakefield.
In early July of this year, Creamer received 100 voucher booklets for the season ending October 31, 2011. Some booklets are still available. "I can get more if the need is greater [than anticipated]," Creamer said reassuringly.
Eligibility
To receive the $15 in vouchers, an applicant must:
- Be a Rhode Island resident.
- Be at least 60 years of age (any age if receiving Social Security Disability income).
- Have an annual gross income, including both taxable and nontaxable income, of no more than $20,146 for a single person or $27, 213 for a couple.
"Recipients can get one booklet [of vouchers] per season," explained Creamer. "But an eligible couple can each receive a $15 voucher booklet," she added.
Applying for the vouchers is simple. There are no forms to fill out and no documentation required.
"The process is one of self-declaration," said Creamer. Applicants are required to provide the last four digits of their Social Security number and sign a form acknowledging receipt of the voucher booklet.
Using the Vouchers
Each booklet contains three $5 "checks" which you use at farmers markets to buy consumable products. You cannot, for example, use the vouchers to buy flowers.
Farmers are not allowed to give back change but they will assist you in finding fruits and vegetables to bring your purchase to an even $5 multiple. [Farmers interested in participating in the program can learn more at Farm Fresh Rhode Island by clicking here.]
"It doesn't matter what town you're from," said Creamer. "If you come through the door [at The Center] looking for information, I am going to help you. We don't turn anyone away," she said emphatically.
Farmers Markets That Accept SFMNP Vouchers
South County farmers markets accepting SFMNP vouchers include:
- Charlestown at Cross Mills Library, Friday, 9 a.m. to Noon
- Narragansett at Fisherman's Memorial State Park, Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Richmond at Town Hall, Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Saunderstown at Casey Farm, Saturday, 9 a.m. to Noon
- South Kingstown at Marina Park, Tuesday, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- South Kingstown at URI East Farm, Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to Noon
- Westerly-Pawcatuck at 85 Main St., Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Learn more about the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program by visiting The Center (South Kingstown Senior Services), 25 St. Dominic Road, Wakefield, RI 02879, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call Jill Creamer at (401) 789-0268 or email her: elderinfo@netsense.net
Editor's note: I checked and eligible Charlestown residents may obtain the vouchers at The Center in South Kingston, because this is a state program. Charlestown's town government does not seem to distribute them.
