Ag and Markets Farmers’ Market Checks Available July 1st

OTSEGO COUNTY—The Otsego County Office for the Aging announced on Monday, June 16 that farmers’ market checks will soon be available for income-eligible seniors age 60 and older. The checks are made available through the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and provide a booklet of (5) $5.00 checks worth $25.00 that can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers’ markets. To be eligible, seniors must have a monthly income at or below $2,413.00 for a one-person household or $3,261.00 for a two-person household.

Checks will be available beginning July 1 and throughout the summer. Each older adult in a household is eligible to receive a booklet if they meet the requirements. While checks are good throughout New York State, consumers are reminded that not all farmers at farmers’ markets accept them. Office for the Aging will provide a list of participating farmers’ markets when checks are distributed, officials said.

Checks can be picked up at the Office for the Aging, 140 County Highway 33W, Cooperstown, or at the following locations during distribution times on the following dates:

• July 7: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bassett Hospital, Fieldstone Lobby, 1 Atwell Drive, Cooperstown
• July 8: 10-11:30 a.m., Salvation Army, 25 River Street, Oneonta
• July 8: 2-4 p.m., Springfield Library, 129 County Road 29A, Springfield Center
• July 9: 10-11:30 a.m., Nader Towers, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta
• July 9: 1-2 p.m., Community Cupboard, 9 West Street, Edmeston
• July 10: 11 a.m. to noon, Mobile Food Pantry, Southside Mall
• July 10: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., FoxCare Center, 1 FoxCare Drive, Oneonta
• July 11: 10-11:30 a.m., Oneonta Heights, 1 Silver Avenue, Oneonta
• July 11: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Mobile Food Pantry, Schuyler Lake
• July 11: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Southside Mall, TJ Max end
• July 15: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs
• July 16: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Cherry Valley Community Center Café, 2 Genesee Street, Cherry Valley
• July 16: 10-11:30 a.m., Academy Arms, 33 Academy Street, Oneonta
• July 18: 10-11 a.m., Mobile Food Pantry, 40 Main Street, Schenevus
• July 18: 1-2 p.m., Mobile Food Pantry, Catskill Shed Co., 141 State Route 7, Sidney
• July 19: 9:30-10:30 a.m., Milford Food Pantry, 113 North Main Street, Milford
• July 19: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday’s Bread, 66 Chestnut Street, Oneonta
• July 21: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bassett Hospital, 1 Atwell Street, Cooperstown
• July 23: 10-11:30 a.m., Worcester/Schenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester
• July 29: 10-11:30 a.m., Huntington Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta
• July 31: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bassett Hospital, Fieldstone Lobby, 1 Atwell Drive, Cooperstown

Questions can be directed to Office for the Aging by calling (607) 547-4232.