Dane County Seniors to Receive Farmers' Market Vouchers

June 27, 2002
Sharyn Wisniewski, 267-8823
County Executive

Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk today announced that some low-income Dane County senior citizens will be able to buy locally grown produce from farmers’ markets this summer thanks to a $30,000 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. The grant will provide $50 in vouchers to 600 Dane County seniors who are eligible. “This is a wonderful opportunity for seniors with limited incomes to purchase healthy, wholesome, locally grown products and support our local farmers,” said Falk. Applications for the program will be taken at Dane County senior centers and coalition meal sites during specified days in July. The vouchers can be redeemed at local farmers’ markets and roadside stands displaying a yellow “Senior Farmer’s Market Program (SFMP)” sign through October 2002. Dane County residents who are 60 years of age or older who have income under 185% of the poverty level are eligible. That means single person households with income of less than $16,391 and two person households with incomes less than $22,090 are eligible. Residents who receive the vouchers are strongly encouraged to use them since demand will likely be greater than the amount of funding available for the program. The farmers’ market voucher program is not an entitlement and is limited to the amount of grant funding received by Dane County. A close relative or guardian can also accept the vouchers on behalf of a senior. Dane County first participated in the program last year as one of 11 pilot counties. The program is being administered locally by the Dane County Human Services Department’s Area Agency on Aging. For more information on the program contact Mary Browning at (608) 224-3667. Farmers who are interested in becoming approved to accept the vouchers can contact Kathy Schmitt with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture at (608) 224-5048. # # #