Latest news with #SeniorFarmersMarketNutritionProgram
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Health
- Yahoo
7 Free and Discounted Services You Didn't Know Were Available to Social Security Recipients
You've worked hard, you've earned your income, and now you're ready for life to be a bit easier. You're ready for the doors to open and the sun to shine as it should. Once you start collecting your Social Security check, you should be able to take it a little easier. Read More: Find Out: The good news is that many organizations agree with this. Several programs make food, transportation, and fun all free or cheap for Social Security recipients. Here are the top seven free or discounted programs that you may not have known were offered to Social Security recipients. There's something so wonderful about farmers' markets. You get to get outside, mingle with your community, and get fresh, delicious food. It's not all fruits and vegetables, either. You might find local honey, amazing baked goods, and even a great cup of coffee. The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program wants America's seniors to get out, move around, and get healthy food. That's why low-income seniors get discount cards that will ensure they can buy from farmers' markets, roadside stands, and local farms at significant discounts. All you have to do is sign up and get out there. See Next: But what if you can't get out there? It happens. It may be that you're not moving around as well as you used to. It might even be a temporary situation, just until you get in better shape. Fear not. Meals on Wheels is a program that will make sure you get the good food and nutrition you need while you're more housebound than usual. The organization delivers food to victims of natural disasters and seniors who struggle to leave their homes. Many social security recipients can't get to the grocery store, or even afford enough groceries to feed themselves as much as they need. Or, you might not be in a position to cook and prepare healthy food. You need to keep your energy and health up to par. That's where Meals on Wheels comes in. The food is hearty, healthy, and delivered with a smile. Still, even if you don't have your vehicle, you can still get out. That's thanks to the transportation services available to seniors and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center operates in all 50 states and ensures people without transportation, on social services, like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and SSI, can still get to where they need or want to go. While many seniors and individuals with disabilities can use public transportation and receive discounts, others are unable to do so. It might be a case of living in a rural area, or you might be in a neighborhood without a close bus line. In any event, your community should offer a supplemental service like Dial-a-Ride, volunteer transportation, or assisted transportation. Federal grants fund these programs, so they're free to social security recipients. If you want to get out, you should be able to. Speaking of getting out, fitness is essential at every age and for every ability. It's good for your body and your brain, and it can even help improve symptoms of many disabilities and aid in healthier aging. And you can start a new fitness plan at any age. Many seniors realize they need to lift more weights and do more cardio once they retire. Social Security recipients on Medicare Advantage are eligible for a program called Silver Sneakers. This plan gets you access to thousands of gyms, churches, and other fitness programs across the country. And you can find a class or program that works for you. You'll find everything from yoga and swimming to Zumba or just plain old gym equipment on the gym floor. It's a pain to pay your taxes every year. Not only might you have to come up with cash to pay what you owe, but you also have to put your documents in order and pay a preparer. It's too much. Well, the federal government agrees with you. Thanks to the VITA program, you may qualify for free tax help. It is particularly aimed at: People with disabilities People making less than $65,000 People aged 60 or older Not only will you get free tax preparation, but you'll be able to trust that these services are reliable as they're certified through the IRS. Thinking of going back to school? Why not? Many seniors start a whole new life after retirement, and it can often begin with a few community college courses. Every state in the United States has universities and community colleges that offer free or steeply discounted courses to senior citizens. You might explore a subject you've always been fascinated by, or you could go back to school to build on your existing education. One of the greatest advantages of being older is the wisdom you get from life experiences. Building on that wisdom with an academic education can only be a win. But academic education is not the only kind. The arts are, after all, what keep humans … well … human. And the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) feels the same way. That's why the NEA offers free access to thousands of museums across the country for seniors and people with disabilities. And if you don't feel like exploring beauty inside, you can always take advantage of the National Parks' offer to explore one of the many natural beauties around the country. The National Park Service offers free passes to Social Security recipients, so you can spend your golden years chasing some of the country's most magnificent waterfalls for free. More From GOBankingRates How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Every State? This article originally appeared on 7 Free and Discounted Services You Didn't Know Were Available to Social Security Recipients
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Senior farmers market voucher distributions cancelled
(WBRE/WYOU) — According to the Area Agency on Aging, the first two Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) voucher distribution events have been cancelled. The announcement comes because the agency has not yet received the vouchers. It was previously revealed that federal funding for the vouchers has been cut. The first two Luzerne/Wyoming County distribution events have been cancelled, including the June 3 event at Misericordia University's MacDowell Hall and the June 5 Kingston Active Adult Center. Woman shot by police while allegedly attacking civilian In Lackawanna County alone, 38,000 farmers market vouchers were requested by the county's agency on aging, the agency in charge of distributing them. Due to the cuts to federal spending, they'll only be getting around 29,000. Under the State Department of Agriculture program, residents over 60 who fall within the program's income requirements are eligible to receive up to five $5 vouchers each to spend at local farmers' markets. For the full list of voucher distribution dates, visit the Luzerne County Area Agency on Aging. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Looking for local produce and fun this summer? North End Farmers Market is back
The North End Farmers Market will open for the season on June 12. According to an announcement from the North End Community Improvement Collaborative, the market will take place every Thursday through Sept. 25 at the NECIC Urban Farm, 311 Bowman St. in Mansfield. The market will run from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. each week, rain or shine. This year, visitors can expect a mix of returning and new vendors offering locally grown produce, homemade goods, handcrafted items, food trucks and family-friendly activities. The North End Farmers Market aims to be accessible and inclusive for residents of all income levels. It accepts various payment methods, including cash, credit and debit cards, SNAP, WIC and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. For the latest information on accepted programs and matching benefits, contact Tionna Perdue, NECIC operations manager, at 419-522-1611 or tionna@ Those interested in becoming a vendor, food truck or community information table participant can apply online at the NECIC website. This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at or share your thoughts at with our News Automation and AI team. This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: North End Farmers Market opens June 12 - here's what's in store
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
RI distributing 5,000 farmers market cards to seniors
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — A food assistance program that helps connect local farmers with Rhode Island seniors is returning this summer. The R.I. Department of Environmental Management's (DEM) Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) will give out 5,000 benefit cards to eligible residents. The cards can be used at local farm stands and farmers markets to buy fruits, vegetables and honey. Less than a third of seniors in the United States eat their recommended intake of fruits and vegetables, according to the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. The benefit cards will be preloaded with $50 and distributed at 90 senior sites starting on June 1. The cards will be valid through Nov. 30. The DEM is also partnering with Farm Fresh Rhode Island to deliver produce boxes to homebound seniors. Eligible seniors can apply for the program at their local senior center. You can find a sign-up location near you by clicking here. Any organizations that work with seniors and would like to get involved with the program can email Farmers and businesses interested in accepting SFMNP can sign up here. Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Senior farmers market vouchers to be distributed in June, July
The Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging and the county's community relations department will start distributing next month vouchers that eligible older adults can redeem for fresh produce at participating farmers markets. The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program will this year provide county residents ages 60 and older who meet certain income guidelines with up to five $5 voucher checks they can exchange for fruit, vegetables and herbs at participating farmers markets and farm stands. Those who turn 60 by Dec. 31 are also eligible, provided they meet income eligibility rules. To qualify, household income must be at or below $28,953 for households with one resident; $39,128 for households with two; $49,303 for households with three; $59,478 for households with four; $69,365 for households with five; and $79,828 for households with six. The program has long been popular in Lackawanna County, where last year older adult recipients redeemed the vouchers at the highest rate in Pennsylvania. State figures for 2024 show those recipients redeemed 32,875 of the 36,350 voucher checks issued in Lackawanna, a state-high redemption rate of about 90.4%. But the value of the vouchers dropped by half this year — voucher checks were worth $10 each in 2023 and 2024 but will be worth $5 each this year — due to a reduced legislative appropriation for the program. Voucher-check values have fluctuated in recent years. They increased in 2020, from $5 to $6, before increasing again to $10 in 2023, thanks to expansion funding provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and two-year funding provided under the federal American Rescue Plan Act, according to a state Department of Agriculture budget presentation for fiscal year 2024-25. That document noted the voucher values 'could recede in 2025 without additional federal or state investments,' and recede they did. Nonetheless, eligible recipients can still receive up to $25 worth of vouchers when distribution begins next month. They should bring a valid Pennsylvania ID with them to the distribution site and can send a proxy in their place if unable to attend. Proxy forms are available online at or can be mailed upon request. The 2025 voucher distribution schedule is as follows: June 17: Merli-Sarnoski Park, 286 Sandy Banks Road, Mayfield, 9 a.m. to noon. June 18: Throop Senior Community Center, 500 Sanderson St., Throop, 9 a.m. to noon; and Mid Valley Senior Community Center, 310 Church St., Jessup, 9 a.m. to noon. June 23: North Pocono Senior Community Center, 6 John J. Michaels Drive, Covington Twp., 9 a.m. to noon; and Taylor Senior Community Center, 700 S. Main St., Taylor, 9 a.m. to noon. June 25: Hillside Senior Community Center, 1151 Winola Road, Clarks Summit, 9 a.m. to noon. June 26: Scranton Senior Community Center, 1004 Jackson St., Scranton, 9 a.m. to noon; and Fallbrook Senior Community Center, 185 Fallbrook St., Carbondale, 9 a.m. to noon. June 30: Dunmore Senior Community Center, 1414 Monroe Ave., Dunmore, 9 a.m. to noon; and Scranton Jewish Community Center, 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, 9 a.m. to noon. July 19: South Scranton Farmers Market, 526 Cedar Ave., Scranton, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 23: Scranton Co-Op Farmers Market, 900 Barring St., Scranton, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Distribution at each site will end before the designated time if the supply of allotted vouchers is exhausted, officials said. For more information call the county Area Agency on Aging at 570-963-6740. Owners of Uncle Bill's BBQ Carol Laseburg and her brother Bill Laseburg serve food for a customer at the Carbondale Farmers Market in Carbondale Thursday May 8, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)Mark Marsico, of The Patchwork Kitchen, serves bread to Cara India and Amelia DiFebo, of Greenfield Twp., at the Carbondale Farmers Market Thursday, May 9, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)A customer shops at Bobbie Cook's Bakery at the Carbondale Farmers Market Thursday, May 8, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)Owner of Lake Ariel-based Mid-Valley Organics Diana DeVito prepares a pothos to sell at the Carbondale Farmers Market Thursday, May 8, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)Owner of Bobbie Cook's Bakery Katherine Pawelski waits on a customer at the Carbondale Farmers Market Thursday, May 8, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
