By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent
The purpose of the Kentucky Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is to gain market access for farmers as well as improving nutrition of lowincome families by providing them better access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Funding for Kentucky’s program comes from federal and state resources. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) serves as the lead agency for SrFMNP. This year, seniors will be provided with a $50 debit card that can be used to purchase fresh, unprocessed, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs at State-approved farmers’ markets.
This year to avoid long lines on distribution days, eligible Carter County seniors will call to schedule an appointment to pick up their Farmer’s Market voucher card. Seniors will need to call 474-6686 between the hours of 8:30 AM-4:00 PM on June 6th or June 7th. (No appointments will be issued before 8:30 AM on June 6th.) When calling to make the appointment seniors will need to provide the following information:name, address, birthday, income, number in household, and if they received a card last year and if they still have that card.
Appointments to complete the paperwork and receive cards will be scheduled for June 15th in Grayson at the Extension Office Education Building and June 16th in the back parking lot of Olive Hill Elementary School. Seniors will then show up at their appointment time with proof of identification. There is no need to show up early. Once an appointment time has been scheduled seniors are guaranteed to receive a voucher card if they show up for their appointment.
To be eligible to receive vouchers participants must be at least 60 years old, live in Carter County, and have an income less than or equal to 185% of the poverty level. Participants may only sign up for vouchers once each summer.
The Grayson Farmer’s Market is located in the shed behind the Extension Office (94 Fairground Drive). The Olive Hill Market is located in the Save-a-Lot parking lot (131 Jessica Lane). Both locations will open later this summer.
Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.
Other Upcoming Events:
- Hike & Learn – June 1st @ 9:00 AM – Carter Caves State Resort Park – Natural Bridge Trail & Owl Pellet Dissection
- Little Sandy Beekeepers – June 6th @ 6:30 PM – Speaker: Max Runzel, CEO of Hive Tracks Ag Advancement Council – June 9th @ 6:00 PM