BALLSTON SPA — Saratoga County officials announced on Oct. 24 its Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, administered by the Department of Aging and Youth Services, provided $11,095 in fresh, local produce to Saratoga County seniors during the recently ended 2022 season.

Each year, the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services distributes coupon booklets to qualifying seniors through its Elderly Nutrition Program. Qualified individuals are those age 60 or older who earn a monthly income of no more than $2,096 a month for a one-person household or no more than $2,823 a month for a two-person household. The coupons can be redeemed at participating farmers market locations throughout Saratoga County.

Last year, the Department distributed 3,325 coupons valued at $16,625. Saratoga County seniors redeemed 2,219 of these coupons, which provided them with a total of $11,095 in fresh, local produce to support their health and nutrition. 2022 is the most recently completed season for which statistics are available.

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Theodore T. Kusnierz, Jr. (Moreau) said, “The Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program not only helps our low-income seniors access fresh, locally grown produce, but it also supports our local farmers, which are a vital part of the Saratoga County economy. ”

The Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is designed to provide low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, and cut herbs; increase the consumption of agricultural commodities through farmers’ markets.