Local area Farmers Markets are a wonder 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 these individuals that qualify. To be eligible for the farmers market coupons, participants must be age 60 or older and have a monthly income below specified amounts.

New this year is an application form which 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:

1. Senior Adult Services senior center in Carbondale,
2. Gold Plate Program of Perry County in Du Quoin,
3. Herrin Senior Center,
4. Marion Senior Center, and
5. Wit & Wisdom senior centers in Benton and West Frankfort.

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

• Murphysboro at south 11th and 12th streets on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 7 p.m.,
• Carbondale on Illinois Route 13 West Town Mall on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon,
• Carbondale Town Square east parking lot on Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m.,
• Pinckneyville City Park on Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m.,
• Du Quoin Keyes City Park on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to noon,
• Marion at 507 W. Main St. on Wednesdays from 6 to 10 a.m. and Saturdays from 6 a.m. until they sell out,
• West Frankfort City Park on Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m., and
• Benton Public Square on Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m.

The farmers market coupons can be used anytime from July through the end of October allowing 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 us.

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