Area seniors have the chance each week in Washington to socialize and get fresh produce at the same time through the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.

Kathleen Collier health and wellness coordinator for the Heritage Area Agency on Aging explains that individuals or couples can qualify based on income and then receive $30 in checks from the Iowa Department of Agriculture to spend on fresh produce or honey at the farmers’ market.

Collier shares what the goal of the program is, “The ultimate goal is to have a little bit more camaraderie and socialization for our senior population. So they are able to go out and socialize with senior farmers’ market vendors, they feel like they can be a little bit more part of the community, being more involved in the farmers’ market. It’s a wonderful time of year to be outside and enjoy locally grown produce.” In addition to a program that benefits seniors, it supports local farmers and vendors, “There are quite a few vendors that actually do sign up for the senior farmers market program, so they’re able to accept those checks. And they’re able to then get anything, you know, vegetables, pumpkins in the fall, honey. It does exclude any meats or craft items.”

To qualify you must be 60 years of age or older and a have a yearly income at or below $22,459 for individuals, or at or below $30,451 for couples. Seniors can sign up by filling out an application at this Thursday’s Washington Farmers’ Market or at the CHOICES drop in center on West 2nd Street.

The Washington Farmers’ Market is held each Thursday in Central Park at 5 p.m.