Senior Farmers Market coupon deadline is Oct. 31

The Maui News

Kupuna participating in the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program must redeem their coupons for fresh produce from Maui farmers and farmers markets by Oct. 31, Maui Economic Opportunity said Friday.

Applications for the 10 $5 coupons, worth a total of $50, are still being accepted. The coupons, disbursed at no cost to the seniors, can be exchanged for unprocessed locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey from an authorized farmer or farmers market.

The buying period runs through Oct. 31.

The goal of the program is to help low-income seniors improve their health and nutrition with fresh food while also aiding local farmers.

To qualify, an applicant must be at least 60 years old, a resident of Maui and have a maximum household income of $28,916 for a single person, $38,961 for two people and $10,045 for each additional household member including children.

Seniors may use their coupons at authorized outlets, which will have a sign indicating they accept the program's coupons. There will be no cash change, and seniors are urged to spend as much of each $5 coupon as possible. Proxies may be designated for purchases by filling out a form.

Schedules and locations of farmers markets and outlets will be included with the coupon booklet.

To apply, visit meoinc.org, and under "Quick Links," click on the "Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program 2023" button. Or, call (808) 243-4313.

Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The program is administered on Maui by MEO and funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.