Programs Help Seniors and Families Purchase Fresh Produce at Farmers’ Markets

The Ida Area Farmers’ Market in downtown Ida Grove is up and running for the season.  The market is open every Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. June 1 through September 28, 2017.

Some of the vendors at the market participate in the Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (FMNP). These programs have the dual purpose to provide Iowa WIC (Women, Infants & Children) Program participants and low-income seniors with fresh fruits and vegetables to improve their diets and to expand the awareness, use of, and sales at farmers markets.

Vendors who participate in FMNP accept both WIC checks and Farmers Market Vouchers. 

Seniors who may be eligible for the vouchers must:

·         Be age 60 or older on the day they pick up the vouchers

·         Have a gross monthly income of no more than $1,859.21/month for individuals or $2,503.66/month for married couples

·         Live in Ida, Cherokee, Monona, Plymouth or Woodbury counties

Each senior meeting eligibility guidelines will receive 10 - $3.00 vouchers for a total value of $30.00 to be used to purchase fresh, Iowa-grown produce and honey.  Vouchers can be redeemed at local Farmer’s Markets with vendors who accept these checks. Checks cannot be pre-signed, as seniors must sign checks when the purchase is made.

To pick up the vouchers, beginning June 7, eligible seniors can go to the Ida Grove Community Hall at 403 3^rd Street from 9:30 a.m. until noon. There is a limited supply of vouchers, available on a first come-first serve basis.