By Angeles Ponpa
PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) – Monday was the first day for low-income residents over the age of 60 to receive $40 in vouchers, helping them buy produce at farmer markets.
The Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program, a nationwide program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is intended to help seniors add healthy fruits and vegetables into their diet. Four $10 vouchers are handed for everyone in the household who qualifies, and participating farmers and vendors who participate are then reimbursed.
Leaders with the Neighborhood House, located at 1020 S Matthew St. in Peoria, said they gave out about 1,500 coupon booklets last year to qualifying residents in Peoria, Tazewell and other surrounding counties.
Neighborhood House President and CEO Julie Bonar said that they have seen an increase in need for food services, specifically from the elderly community.
On the first day of registration, Monday, Bonar said that dozens had already formed a line outside of the facility before the doors opened at 8:30 a.m.
“Seniors, especially, are hit hard when there [are] increased prices,” said Bonar. “Many of them are on a fixed income, and as a result, that increase in price makes it difficult for them to purchase food but also they sometimes have to make decisions about if they are going to purchase food or the medication that they need.”
For those residents who missed Monday’s registration, the next dates include:
- Tuesday June 30, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday July 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Thursday July 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Appointments for large groups are also available for July 6 and 7. Those who are interested must bring an ID and meet low-income requirements.
Proxies can bring a client’s ID, along with a signed client note stating the name of the proxy and permission to collect the vouchers on their behalf.
The vouchers can be used at farmers’ markets in Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford counties. The event was in partnership with Age Central.
