With farmers market season almost here, it’s time for low-income seniors to apply for a popular program that provides $40 in checks to help buy fresh produce.
Demand for assistance exceeds the amount of money available for the Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program, which is administered by Senior Services of Snohomish County. The program is paid for by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and money the Legislature appropriates from the state general fund.
Last year was the start of a process that had recipients chosen by a lottery system, which will also be used this season. In previous years, checks were distributed at area markets, but that system had older people waiting in long lines.
To be eligible, applicants must be 60 or older by June 1; be a Snohomish County resident; and have a monthly income of $1,814 or less in a one-person household, $2,457 or less in a household of two, and $642 for each additional person in the home.
The deadline to apply is June 5. Ten checks, for $4 each, will be mailed by July 10 to those whose names are randomly selected. A list of participating markets and farm stores will be sent with the checks, which are valid until Oct. 31. Authorized markets on the list are in Snohomish, Island, Skagit and King counties.
Applications are available at area senior centers, the Senior Services of Snohomish County office in Everett, and online at www.sssc.org. Send completed applications to: Nutrition Program/SFMNP, 11627 Airport Road, Suite B, Everett, WA 98204.
Call 425-347-1229 for more information.
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