Farmers Market to participate in Senior Nutrition program

The Siloam Springs Farmers Market will once again be participating in the USDA Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.

Arkansas has the highest rate of hunger among seniors in the country. In an effort to fight this growing problem, the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas will give seniors an opportunity to obtain fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables for free.

The USDA Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides one $50 coupon book per household to senior adults age 60 and older to purchase locally grown fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs and honey at local farmer’s markets from approved vendors.

To be eligible to receive a coupon book, seniors must meet monthly gross household income guidelines of $1,832 for a family of one, $2,470 for a family of two, $3,108 for a family of three, or $3,747 for a family of four (add $642 for each additional family member).

Senior adults that meet the income guidelines and bring photo ID and proof of gross household income will receive a coupon book on a first come first serve basis when distribution begins at the local senior activity centers. In Benton County distribution dates and sites are as follows:

• April 3, 2017 — J.B. Hunt Transport Senior Activity Center, 704 East Monroe Street, Lowell, Ark., from 9 a.m. to noon.

• April 5, 2017 — Gentry Senior Activity and Wellness Center, 121 East Main, Gentry, Ark., from 9 a.m. to noon.

• April 6, 2017 — Billy V. Hall Senior Activity Center, 1870 Limekiln Road, Gravette, Ark., from 9 a.m. to noon.

• April 7, 2017 — Siloam Springs Senior Activity and Wellness Center, 750 Heritage Court, Siloam Springs, Ark. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• April 10, 2017 — Rogers Adult Wellness Center, 2001 Persimmon Street, Rogers, Ark. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• April 11, 2017 — Benton County Senior Activity and Wellness Center, 3501 S.E. “L” Street, Bentonville, Ark., from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Care coordinators will also assist seniors in applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medicare Savings Program, and Extra-Help with Prescription Drug Costs.

Distribution dates are scheduled at senior centers within the entire AAANWA service area of Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Madison, Marion, Newton, Searcy and Washington Counties for seniors to have the opportunity to receive coupon books. For more information, call the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas at 479273-9424.

The Siloam Springs Farmers Outdoor Market will open for the season on Saturday, April 15.

The market will be open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October.

More information is available at www.mainstreetsiloam.org.