Older adults with limited income may be eligible to receive $50 in benefits to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and cut herbs from participating farmers markets. The Farm Market Fresh for Seniors Program is jointly sponsored by Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS), Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, and Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
To qualify for the program, individuals must be 60 years of age or older and live in Buena Vista, Lexington, or Rockbridge County. Monthly income limits for 2025 to participate are no more than $2,413 (single) or $3,261 (couple). Individuals cannot be an immediate family member or live with a participating farm market vendor. Only one benefit per eligible senior or two coupon books per eligible couple per market season will be permitted. Participants will need to have transportation to the farmer’s market.
Farm Market Fresh for Seniors Program benefits are available on a limited, first come, first served basis. The benefits are valid June 1 through Nov. 18.
New for 2025: All benefits will be issued by a downloadable smart phone app or by a QR code card. There will be no paper coupons and benefits can be used up to the penny instead of in $5 increments.
Locally, the Lexington Farmers Market is participating in the Farm Market Fresh for Seniors Program. It is located in the McCrum’s parking lot in downtown Lexington on North Jefferson Street. The market is open every Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., from April through October.
Applications are available at vpas. info/farm-market-fresh-seniors. Call (540) 261-7474 for more information.
