During enrollment sessions in late June, 201 older adults will be eligible to receive $40 in coupons to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and cut herbs at the Staunton, Verona, and Waynesboro Farmer’s Markets this summer, thanks to the Farm Market Fresh For Seniors Program jointly sponsored by Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS), Virginia Department for the Aging, and Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. In addition to supporting senior nutrition, the program also supports local farmers and farmers’ markets in the Staunton, Augusta County, and Waynesboro region. The program is supported with $8,040 from the USDA, Food and Nutrition Service.
To qualify for the program, individuals must be 60 years of age or older, live in Staunton, Augusta County, or Waynesboro, have a monthly income of no more than $1,361 (single) or $1,839 (couple), have transportation to one of the Farmer’s Markets, and be present to pick up the coupons. Individuals cannot be an immediate family member or live with a participating farm market vendor. Only one coupon book per eligible senior or two coupon books per eligible couple per Market Season will be permitted.
Farm Market Fresh for Seniors coupons are available on a limited, first come, first served basis. The coupons are valid July1 – October 31. Recipients must complete a short form attesting to household income, date of birth, and can determine eligibility for coupons at the following VPAS Senior Centers:
- Staunton Senior Center, 300 Churchville Avenue, 886-4634, June 28, 9:00 a.m-2:00 p.m.
- Waynesboro Senior Center, 325 Pine Avenue, 942-1838, June 29, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
This year, as an additional service during the enrollment sessions, eligibility pre-screening for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) formerly known as Food Stamps will be offered for persons who are interested in extra help with groceries throughout the entire year.
Weekly Menu
MONDAY: (Closed for Independence Day Holiday)
TUESDAY: Fiesta pork chop, rice brussels sprouts, pears
WEDNESDAY: Baked chicken, zucchini with tomatoes, baked beans, fruit
THURSDAY: Herbed turkey, yam patties, green beans, fresh fruit
FRIDAY: Spaghetti with meat sauce, broccoli, mixed fruit
Lunch is served at 11:45 a.m. each day. All meals are served with milk and bread and provide one-third of the daily nutrition value required for adults. Call 942-1838 to make reservations by 10 a.m. on the day you plan to attend.
Waynesboro Senior Center
The Waynesboro Senior Center, sponsored by Valley Program for Aging Services, invites people 60 years of age and older to participate in a variety of programs to be offered in the coming week. The center, at 325 Pine Ave., in the Jackson-Wilson building, is open 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Transportation is provided as needed by a VPAS van driver, who also helps with shopping trips and appointments to local doctors. Contributions toward expenses are accepted. Additional information can be found at www.waynesboroseniorcenter.org.
Submitted by Janice Gentry
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