Farmers’ Market Checks for Eligible Seniors Available Beginning July 1

OTSEGO COUNTY—Farmers’ market checks will soon be available for income-eligible seniors age 60 and older, Otsego County Office for the Aging announced on Monday, June 10. The checks are made available through the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and provide a booklet of five $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 $2,322.00 for a one-person household or $3,152.00 for a two-person household.

Checks will be available beginning July 1 and throughout the summer, officials said. 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. According to a press release, Office for the Aging will provide a list of participating farmers’ markets when checks are distributed.

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

• July 9: Salvation Army, 25 River Street, Oneonta, 10-11:30 a.m.
• July 10: Nader Towers, 2 Mitchell Street, One-onta, 10-11:30 a.m.
• July 11: Bassett Hospital, Fieldstone Lobby, 1 Atwell Drive, Cooperstown, 10-11:30 a.m.
• July 11: Oneonta Heights, 1 Silver Avenue, Oneonta, 10-11:30 a.m.
• July 12: St. Mary’s Food Pantry, 38 Walnut Street, Oneonta, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• July 13: Saturday’s Bread, 66 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• July 13: Mt. Upton UMC Food Pantry, 1739 State Highway 8, Mt. Upton, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• July 15: Unadilla Community Food Pantry, 172 Main Street, Unadilla, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• July 15: Unadilla Valley Food Pantry, 51 S. Main Street, New Berlin, 3-4:30 p.m.
• July 17: Academy Arms, 33 Academy Street, Oneonta, 10-11:30 a.m.
• July 18: Community Cupboard, 9 West Street, Edmeston, noon to 1:30 p.m.
• July 18: Southtown Food Pantry, 3294 State Route 8, South New Berlin, 3-4:30 p.m.
• July 22: Community Center Café, 2 Genesee Street, Cherry Valley, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• July 24: Cooperstown Food Pantry, 25 Church Street, Cooperstown, 10-11:30 a.m.
• July 24: Mobile Food Pantry, Southside Mall, Oneonta, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• July 25: Bassett Hospital, Fieldstone Lobby, 1 Atwell Drive, Cooperstown, 10-11:30 a.m.
• July 27: Milford Food Pantry, 113 N. Main Street, Milford, 10-11:30 a.m.
• July 27: FDT Food Pantry, 7575 State Highway 7, Maryland, noon to 1:30 p.m.
• July 30: Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs, 10:30 a.m. to noon
• July 31: Worcester/Schenevus Library, 168 Main Street, Worcester, 10-11:30 a.m.

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