The peak of crops from local farmers is just around the corner.
And a program that will help about 1,500 low-income seniors in Snohomish County partake in some of that bounty is now open for business.
Qualifying seniors can receive one-time checks for $40 to spend at area farmers markets. The checks are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
“Every year, it gets a little more popular as more and more people learn about it and we get repeat customers,” said Martha Peppones, nutrition program director for Senior Services of Snohomish County.
Last year, 1,498 people signed up for the program, and people were still signing up in July. “I’m not expecting they’ll last that long this year,” Peppones said.
The checks will probably be available for a few weeks, “but when they’re gone, they’re gone,” she said.
Applications won’t be taken over the phone. Seniors must come in person starting today to Senior Services of Snohomish County offices in Mukilteo or the Everett Farmers Market beginning June 13 or Stocker Farms in Snohomish beginning June 30.
Photo identification is required to qualify for the program. Incomes cannot exceed $1,670 per month for a one-person household or $2,246 for a two-person household.
Money for the food program primarily comes from the federal Department of Agriculture. Its purpose is to provide older adults healthy fruits and vegetables and to help support local farmers.
Snohomish County seniors have the highest rates of using the checks in the state, Peppones said.
“I think that shows how interested people are in actually getting those fruits and vegetables.”
Who’s eligible
How seniors can qualify for farmers market checks:
Eligibility requirements: Age 60 or older (55 and up if American Indian), resident of Snohomish County and income lower than $1,670 per month for a one-person household or $2,246 for a two-person household.
Checks will be distributed at the following locations on a first-come, first-served basis at:
Senior Services of Snohomish County, 8225 44th Ave W., Suite O, Mukilteo, Mondays, 1 to 4 p.m., starting today
Everett Farmers Market, Everett waterfront, Sundays, June 13 and 27; July 11 and 18. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Stocker Farms, 10622 Airport Way, Snohomish, Wednesdays, June 30 and July 14. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sharon Salyer:425-339-3486 or salyer@heraldnet.com
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