Low Income Seniors Qualify for Farmers' Market Coupons

There is no question that fruits and vegetables purchased at local farmers' markets are some of the freshest and best around - but this produce can also be some of the most expensive.

In an effort to make these nutritious products more widely available to seniors with limited income, the Arlington County government offers a program that provides low-income seniors with $40 worth of coupons for the 2011 farmers' market season.

To qualify for the "Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program," you must be an Arlington County resident, 60 years or older. A single person can qualify with a monthly income up to $1,361. A couple is eligible if their joint monthly income does not exceed $1,839.  Single residents will receive $40 worth of coupons; couples receive $80 worth of coupons. The vouchers are redeemable July 1 through Oct. 31.

The coupons may be redeemed for fresh produce only at the following farmers' market locations:

• Saturday and Sunday at , North Courthouse Road and N. 14th Street, 8 a.m. to noon.

• Sunday at the , Columbia Pike and S. Walter Reed Drive, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Applications for this program are due Friday and must be mailed or submitted to the Aging and Disability Services Division, c/o Senior Farmers' Market, 2100 Washington Blvd., 4th floor, Arlington, Va., 22204.

For more information on this program, details about what these coupons may be used to purchase, or to download an application, visit the county's website.