Tyrone and Bellwood and northern Blair area seniors will once again benefit from the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program being coordinated by Blair Senior Services.
“This will be the fourth year we have been doing this,” said Robin Beck, director of development at Blair Senior Services.
“This is a terrific program which gives eligible residents access to fresh fruits and vegetables which are grown locally and I encourage everyone to take advantage of it.”
The program issues checks for income-eligible older adults to exchange for food at local farmers’ markets. The 2004 program will begin on June 1. Checks must be picked up by September 30, 2004 and used by November 30, 2004.
The program lets each eligible individual receive four $5 checks for a total of $20 per person. The checks have to be used to purchase locally-grown fruits and vegetables at specified locations.
“I hope that all eligible, older individuals will stop by the agency or their local senior center as soon as possible, so that they are ready to use their checks when the supply of produce becomes plentiful,” said Barry Piper, community services manager-nutrition. “In addition to encouraging older adults to eat a healthier diet by including fresh fruits and vegetables, the program also helps to support area farmers.”
Eligible residents are being urged to secure their checks at their earliest convenience due to the popularity of the program in past years. The first year of the program, 2,350 used it. In the second year, the figure grew to 3,200 and last year, 3,750 people took advantage of the program.
Checks will be available at the Tyrone Senior Center located at 505 West Third Street from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Wednesday and Friday only. The Tyrone Senior Center phone number is 684-7853.
Checks will also be available at the Bellwood Senior Center located at Bell Mansion, 1 Main Street in Bellwood from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Wednesday and Friday only. The Bellwood Senior Center phone number is 742-7332.
Beck indicated residents are not required to go to the nearest location and can also pick up the checks on any weekday at the Blair Senior Service Center at 1320 12th Avenue in Altoona. Several other locations are also available throughout Blair County.
To be eligible to receive a check, you must be 60 years of age or over, a resident of Blair County and meet certain income requirements. Proof of age and residency are required.
Individual 2003 income must total $17,224 or less and income for a couple must be at $23,107 or less to qualify for the program.
Center schedules vary, so please contact the center you plan to visit to confirm it will be open on the day you plan to go there. A list of participating markets is also available at any senior center.
For more information contact Blair Senior Services at 946-1235.
