Applications currently are being accepted for the 2022 Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, which provides low-income seniors with fresh produce from Maui farmers markets.
Each participant will receive 10 $5 coupons, worth a total of $50, to exchange for unprocessed locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey from an authorized farmer or farmers market.
The buying period runs from April 1 to Oct. 31. The program is administered on Maui Island by Maui Economic Opportunity.
To qualify, an applicant must be at least 60 years old, a resident of Maui Island 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 SFMNP 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.
Fillable applications are available in the Quick Links on the MEO website main page at meoinc.org or may be obtained by calling (808) 243-4313 or by emailing [email protected].
Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The 2021 program assisted more than 1,300 seniors and worked with about 15 farmers and markets infusing about $65,000 into the agricultural economy.
The goal of the program is to help low-income seniors improve their health and nutrition with fresh food while also aiding local farmers.
Kupuna participating in the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program will be able to redeem $50 in coupons at farmers market like this one at the Upcountry Farmers Market in Kula Malu in February. Applications for the program are being accepted through MEO.
