Farmers’ Market Coupon Books Available in July

OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Office for the Aging (OFA) plans to distribute farmers’ market coupon booklets to eligible seniors at various locations around the county this month.

“We received fewer booklets from the state this year, so we expect to run out of them quickly,” said Oswego County OFA Director Sara Sunday. “We encourage those who would like to get a booklet to attend one of our scheduled distribution events as early as possible. As always, we’ll hand them out on a first-come, first-served basis with a limit of one booklet per eligible senior.”

The coupons can only be used to buy locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables from participating farmers and farmers’ markets. They are not redeemable in supermarkets. The value of each booklet is $25.

Distribution begins with a drive-up event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8 at Cayuga Community College, 11 River Glen Dr., Fulton. For this event, all participants must remain in their vehicle. Walk-ups are strictly prohibited. OFA staff will deliver the necessary paperwork and booklets to people in their cars. The first 200 participants will also receive fresh produce and basil plants.

On Thursday, July 9, coupon booklets will be distributed outside the OFA office at 74 Bunner St., Oswego between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Coupon booklets will continue to be available for pick-up at the OFA weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. until they are gone.

OFA staff will also distribute booklets at the following locations and dates:

• Thursday, July 9 from 4:30 to 8 p.m.: Oswego Farmers’ Market, West First Street
• Friday, July 10 from 10 a.m. to noon: Pulaski Public Library, 4917 N. Jefferson St.
• Saturday, July 11 from 8 a.m. to noon: Fulton Farmers’ Market, South Second Street, Canal Landing parking lot near Dollar General.

Each older adult in a household is eligible to receive a booklet if they are aged 60 or over and their gross income is at or below 185% of federal poverty guidelines; which is $2,461 monthly for a one-person household or $3,337 monthly for a two-person household.

Recipients must sign for their booklet in person. A power of attorney representative with proper paperwork can also sign for the coupon book. A proxy may sign only if the older adult submits a written statement designating their proxy to pick up coupons on their behalf, along with an attestation form. Call the OFA at 315-349-3484 for proxy and attestation forms.

For more information about the coupon booklets, call the Oswego County Office for the Aging at 315-349-3484, between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.