May 13, 2006- Kaptur Kicks-Off 2006 Farmers' Market Coupon Program

"As we enjoy one of the most beautifulspring seasons on record, it seems an appropriate time to welcome the start ofthe Senior Farmers' Market Coupon Program," said Kaptur. "Since thiseffort began in the summer of 2001, it has provided more than $5 million infresh fruits and vegetables to thousands of our region's older adults, whilealso providing income to hundreds of local growers. We are always lookingfor ways to expand our Farmers' Markets as well as the success of our local andindependent growers throughout the district. The Senior Farmers' MarketCoupon Program does just that and encourages good nutrition for older adults."

The Ohio Department of Aging and the AreaOffice on Aging received a grant from the United States Department ofAgriculture (USDA) in the amount of $1,065,877 to provide locally grown freshfruits, vegetables, and herbs to 17,000 eligible older adults citizens in Northwest Ohio. This is the sixth year for the effort supported by Kaptur, who serves on theAgriculture Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the USDA and the SeniorNutrition grant.

Mrs. Billie Johnson, Executive Director ofthe Area Office on Aging, stated, "We are so pleased to be able to offer theFarmers' Market Coupon Program again to our older adults. This initiativeis a wonderful way to help continue in our mission to serve older adults andimprove their quality of life. We have the opportunity to expandnutrition service options, enabling people to purchase the very best in qualityproduce fresh from our own region. We have been able to develop a strongpartnership with area farmers, the State Departments of Health and Aging, and USDA,to successfully implement a creative program our seniors have truly appreciatedand fully utilized."

Dr. Rebecca Liebes, Director of Nutrition atthe Area Office on Aging noted, "We have heard from thousands of older adultswho have benefited from the program during the last five years, many of whomwere able to enhance special diets and improve their overall health as a resultof being able to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Through thisprogram, our goal is to improve the diets of older adults by offering couponsto be used to purchase fresh produce from local farmers to supplement theirmeals. In turn, our elders are helping local farmers by giving them agreater outlet to sell their produce."

Kaptur reminded people that to qualify,people over age 60 with incomes of less than $24,420 per year for couples and$18,130 for individuals may apply for the color-coded coupons. Thecoupons may be used through the months of June through October at participatingfarmers markets and roadside produce stands.

The Area Office on Aging explained thatapplications will be accepted at distribution sites and coupons will bedistributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Only one application isrequired to receive coupons for the entire program. The agency suggeststhat participants should select a convenient distribution site to apply for andreceive coupons because for the duration of the program, participants will need to return to the same distribution site to obtaincoupons each month. They should contact their site for the exact times,days, and procedure they will be using to distribute coupons. Forlocations, call the Area Office on Aging at 419-382-0624.

Eligible participants will receive theequivalent of $30 in six, five-dollar coupons good for the months of June andJuly, and the equivalent of $20 in four, five-dollar coupons per month fromAugust through October. Farmers will have the produce clearly marked as to whatproduce is locally grown. A list of participating farmers is available whencoupons are distributed. More than one hundred local farmers areparticipating in the Senior Farmers' Market Coupon Program this year.

Kaptur concluded, "This is a big plus forour region - for older adults and family farmers. It is the only one in thestate and one of the few in the nation. It truly represents a win-win forfarmers and older adults alike. We applaud the Area Office on Aging'sbold pursuit of this federal effort to aid older adults' nutrition whilecontributing to the economic success of family farmers."