Carson City RSVP Program offering farmers market coupons to seniors

The Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Inc., or RSVP, is offering free farmer market coupons to low-income seniors in Carson City through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.

“The SFMNP is a cooperative effort provided by RSVP, the USDA, the Nevada State Commodity Food Distribution Program, the Nevada Department of Agriculture, the Nevada Certified Farmers Market Association and the State of Nevada Division for Aging and Disability Services,” said Susan Haas, executive director and C.E.O of RSVP. “RSVP distributes these coupons to ensure low-income seniors who may not be able to afford fresh produce have the opportunity to enjoy the bounty of the farmers markets. Our goal is to increase consumption of healthy locally grown fruits, vegetables, and fresh unprocessed herbs, and honey, which all supplement the nutritional needs of seniors.”

On Thursday, June 18, coupon booklets are going to be distributed from 9 a.m. to noon, or until coupons are gone, on Thursday, June 18, at the UNR Cooperative Extension Conference Room at 2621 Northgate Lane, Suite 12.

Each senior who meets income and residence guidelines are eligible to receive one coupon booklet per season. Each coupon book contains 15 $2 coupons, totaling a $30 value, which can be used at the Third and Curry St. Farmers Market, which operates from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays at Third and Curry streets. Once the booklets are claimed, they cannot be replaced if lost or damaged.

To qualify for coupons, seniors must be 60 or older and must have an income that does not exceed $21,590 annually — or $1,800 per month. One set of coupons is permitted per address; spouses or additional seniors will be asked to join a wait list and will be notified if additional booklets become available.

Seniors must present a Nevada identification card or driver’s license showing a Carson City residence and must sign the self-certification form at the distribution site. Non-senior friends or family members may pick up the coupon booklet for a homebound senior but will need to have the senior’s identification and a note authorizing them to receive the coupons.

For more information about the program or to find out about RSVP services for seniors, call 775-687-4680, ext 0.