Low-income senior citizens are encouraged to apply to receive checks to buy fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey at farmers markets in Barton County.
The Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides $30 in checks for that purpose to seniors who meet age and income requirements. Checks are available in $5 increments and may be used for purchases from authorized farmers from June 1 through Nov. 1.
A senior must be 60 years old or older on the day the money is issued. The senior’s annual gross household income (before taxes are withheld) must be at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level. For example, a household of one must have an annual gross income at or below $21,978 or a monthly gross income at or below $1,832.
Applications will be available from 9 a.m. to noon starting on Wednesday, May 31, at the Great Bend Senior Center, 2005 Kansas Ave. People will also be able to sign up June 1-2 at the Barton County Health Department.
Funds are limited and benefits will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information about the Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, call the Barton County Health Department, 620-793-1902.
Eligible foods to purchase with the KSFMNP checks are defined as “fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, locally produced honey and herbs for human consumption that are produced in Kansas under normal growing conditions.” The program is a project of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service. The program is coordinated by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
The program is also available in Rice County.