Local area Farmers Markets are a wonderful resource for people who don't maintain a garden to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. Senior adults in particular should supplement their diet with fresh fruits and vegetables.

The Senior Farmers Market coupon program helps senior adults obtain free fresh fruits and vegetables at local markets. Moderate and low income senior adults can redeem the coupons for fresh fruits and vegetables starting July 1st until the end of October at specific Farmers Markets in Southern Illinois.

The coupon booklets are free for those individuals that qualify. To be eligible for the farmers market coupons, participants must be age 60 or older and have a monthly income less than specified amounts (use this link to find out the amounts).

An application form must be completed before coupons are given to any individual. If senior adults cannot pick up the coupons themselves, a proxy must take an application form to the senior adult for their signature before the coupons are given out.

Starting in early July, the coupon booklets will be available during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, at:

• Alexander County
  • Cairo - Happy Days Senior Center
• Franklin County
  • Benton - Wit & Wisdom Senior Center
  • West Frankfort - Wit & Wisdom Senior Center
• Jackson County
  • Carbondale - Senior Center
• Johnson County
  • West Vienna - Whistlers and Whittlers Senior Senior
• Massac County
  • Metropolis - Happy Hearts Senior Center
• Perry County
  • Du Quoin - Gold Plate Program Senior Center
• Pulaski County
  • Mounds - Smiles Senior Center
• Union County
  • Anna - Sunshine Inn Senior Center
• Williamson County
  • Carterville - Egyptian Area Agency on Aging
  • Carterville - Shawnee Alliance for Seniors
  • Herrin - Williamson County Programs on Aging

The coupons can be used at the following Farmers Market sanctioned locations:

• Anna at 1200 E. Vienna St. on Tuesdays from 7 am to noon
• Ava at Main St. and 5th St. on Thursdays from 2 to 6 pm
• Benton at 414 Hudelson St. on Thursdays from 3 to 6 pm
• Carbondale at 2102 W. Main St. on Saturdays from 8 am to noon
• Carbondale at 200 E. Main St. on Saturdays from 8 am to noon
• Carterville at 304 S. Division St. on Friday from 3 to 6 pm
• Du Quoin at 127 N. Division St., Keyes City Park on Saturdays from 7:30 am to noon
• Du Quoin at South Washington St. on Wednesdays from 3 to 6 pm
• Herrin at 101 S. 16th St. on Saturdays from 6 am to noon.
• Marion at 507 W. Main St. on Wednesdays from 6 to 10 am, and Saturdays from 6 am until they sell out.
• Murphysboro at 1101 S. Walnut St. on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 6:30 pm
• Pinckneyville at 306 S. Main St. on Tuesdays from 3 to 6 pm
• Sesser at Route 148 & W. Espy St. on Tuesday from 6 to noon
• Valier at 11474 Ward Road on Saturday from 9-11 am
• West Frankfort at 1002 E. Cleveland St. on Tuesdays from 3 to 6 pm

The Farmers' Market coupons can be used anytime from July 1st through October 31st. This allows senior adults the opportunity to use them as new fresh fruits and vegetables come into season. Only fresh fruits and vegetables can be redeemed with the coupons.

For more information, call your local senior center or use the link below to Contact the Egyptian AAA.

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