Jun. 14—The Lake County Council on Aging will once again serve as a distribution agent for the Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program, the nonprofit announced this week.
The program, funded by the United States Department of Agriculture, the Ohio Department of Aging, and the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging, provides coupons that can be exchanged for eligible foods at area farmers' markets and serves to improve the nutritional health of seniors with limited incomes while increasing business throughout the state.
To qualify for the program, individuals must be aged 60 or older and reside in Lake County with an income — from all sources — of less than $26,973 for a household of one and less than $36,482 for a household of two.
All eligible Lake County seniors are required to pre-register for the coupons by calling the Council on Aging at 440-205-8111, starting June 21.
Distribution will be from 9 a.m .to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. June 28 and 29 at Mentor United Methodist Church, 8600 Mentor Ave., Mentor.
Applications will be reviewed, and eligible seniors will be provided with 10 $5 coupons.
Seniors interested in applying for the program will need to obtain an application on-site the day of the distribution or in advance from the Council on Aging's website, www.lccoa.org.
Printable applications should be available online beginning June 19.
Applications will not be mailed and will not be accepted before the senior's registered date/time at the distribution. However, printed and completed applications can be brought to the distribution.
Individuals unable to attend the distributions, or who need assistance with shopping, may have a proxy attend on their behalf, officials confirmed, noting someone may only serve as a proxy for two people.
Additionally, applications must be signed by the senior and the proxy.
All proxies must show a driver's license or state ID.
"We're excited to continue our partnership with the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging and the farmers market coupon program," said the agency's CEO Joe Tomsick.
"Proper nutrition is foundational to good health, and we want to make sure we're providing affordable, healthy food options, as part of our work is to understand the needs of Lake County seniors and to link them with the resources and tools they need to live healthy lives."
For more information, contact Aging and Disability Resource Center Manager Jackie Oliverio at 440-205-8111, ext. 236.