By Tannis Causey
The Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Inc., also known as RSVP, has free Farmers Market coupons for Carson City low-income seniors through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is a cooperative effort provided by RSVP, the USDA, the Nevada State Commodity Food Distribution Program, the Nevada Department of Agriculture, the Nevada Certified Farmers Market Association and the State of Nevada Division for Aging and Disability Services, said Susan Haas, executive director and CEO.
“RSVP distributes these coupons to ensure that low income seniors who may not be able to afford fresh produce have the opportunity to enjoy the bounty of the farmers markets,” said Haas. “Our goal is to increase consumption of healthy locally grown fruits, vegetables, and fresh unprocessed herbs, and honey, which all supplement the nutritional needs of seniors.”
On Thursday, June 18, 2015 coupon booklets will be distributed at the UNR Cooperative Extension Conference Room at 2621 Northgate Lane, Suite #12 from 9 a.m. to noon or until the coupons are gone. Each senior can receive only 1 coupon booklet per season and must meet income and residence guidelines stated below. Each coupon book contains 15 – $2 coupons for a total of $30 which can be used at the Carson City Farmers Market.
The market is open every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 3rd and Curry Street or coupons may be used at any other Nevada Farmers Market displaying the appropriate signage. Once the booklets are claimed, they cannot be replaced if lost or damaged.
In order to qualify for coupons you must be a senior aged 60 or older and must have an income that does not exceed $21,590 annually ($1800/month). We are only able to give one set of coupons per address. Spouses or additional seniors will be asked to join a Wait List and will be notified if additional booklets become available.
You will need to present a Nevada ID or a Nevada Driver’s License showing a Carson City residence in order to receive coupons and must sign the self-certification form at the distribution site. Non-senior friends or family members may pick up the coupon booklet for a homebound senior but will need to have the senior’s identification and a note authorizing them to receive the coupons. For more information about this program, or to find out about RSVP services for seniors, please contact RSVP at (775) 687-4680 ext 0.
