Over a hundred of Fall River’s low income seniors took advantage of the Farmers Market Coupon distribution held at Fall River Government Center on July 29, 2009. Coupon distribution also took place at the Flint Senior Center and the Niagara-Maplewood Senior Center. Seniors received $30 in coupons redeemable for fresh produce from participating, certified farmers at the Kennedy Park and Ruggles Park Farmers Markets.The Kennedy Park Farmers Market is open on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., from May to November, and the Ruggles Park Farmers Market is open on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., June to November. The Coupon Program for Elders is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. The coupons were made available to elders at least 60 years of age, who have limited income, through Bristol Elder Services, Inc. The goals of the program are to encourage recipients to eat more locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables, to promote more overall consumption of fresh produce, and to promote Massachusetts agriculture. Click here for photos of the 2006 coupon distribution. For more information, contact Pauline Gousie at the Council on Aging at 508-324-2401.
 

(Top row) Council on Aging associate director Pauline Gousie answers questions about the coupon program from seniors waiting for the distribution to begin. (Middle row, left) Ms. Gousie looks over the eligibility list. (Middle row, right) Catherine Simcock signs up for her coupons. (Bottom row) Seniors, including Joyce Sunderland, shop at the Ruggles Park and Kennedy Park farmers' markets last year.