LifePath Distributes More Than 600 Free Farmer’s Market Coupon Booklets to Elders

GREENFIELD — LifePath has distributed approximately 625 free farmer’s market coupon booklets, worth $25 each, this summer. The coupons are a part of an annual program from the Mass. Department of Agricultural Resources, designed to help elders get fresh, local fruits and vegetables and to help local farmers sell more produce.

On August 6, Ruby Blood, 86, a resident of Turners Falls, was standing in the coupon booklet distribution line outside the Gill/Montague Senior Center at 62 5th Street in Turners Falls. Blood loves picking up fruits and vegetables from farmer’s markets. “There’s a variety of different items every week. I like my fresh vegetables,” she said.

Diane Dodds, 66, of Montague City, was also waiting for her coupon booklet. She enjoys the farmer’s market in Turners Falls. “The farmer’s market coupons are wonderful with SNAP. I’m very thankful for all assistance,” said Dodds.

In order to be eligible for the 2020 coupon booklets, you had to be at least 60 years old and earn $23,606 or less as an individual or $31,894 or less as a couple. For each additional family member, $8,288 was added to the income limit. The coupons do not expire until Oct. 31, and they can be used to buy fruits, vegetables, fresh-cut herbs, and honey.

This year’s coupons have all been spoken for, but individuals can contact LifePath in the spring to be notified of distribution dates in their area. To learn more about other available food resources, contact LifePath at (413) 773-5555, x1230 or (978) 544-2259, x1230, or via email at info@lifepathma.org.