Local Community Action Agency program to help seniors, farmers

LISBON - Columbiana County has been chosen for a pilot program to provide poorer people over 60 years old with up to $50 worth of coupons that can be redeemed at farm markets to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables.

The Senior Farmers' Market program was unveiled at Wednesday's meeting of county commissioners by representatives from the District 11 of the Ohio Area Agencies on Aging and Carol Bretz, director of the local Community Action Agency.

District 11 encompasses Columbiana, Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties, and Don Medd said the state office is making $33,000 in federal funding available to start the program, which has previously only been offered in counties that serve metropolitan areas.

Under the program, up to 600 people 60 years of age or older who meet the income guidelines can apply to receive $50 coupons that can be redeemed in $5 increments at the yet-to-be chosen local farmer's markets. The income guideline ceiling is 185 percent of the federal poverty level, which is $19,240 for individuals and $25,900 for a household of two. Officials said the coupons can be for fruits and vegetables only, and no change will be returned.

Bretz, whose agency will receive $3,000 for administering the program, said they are currently developing a list of participating farmers' markets. The list is expected to consist of nine markets across the county, with every area having one with the possible exception of Salineville.

She said applications will be available at the CAA senior citizen meals sites located in Lisbon, Salineville, Wellsville, East Liverpool, Leetonia and Salem, or distributed through the CAA home meal-delivery program. Otherwise, applicants can visit the CAA office in Lisbon or call Peronsa Grimm at 424-4013.

"It's a nice program for the seniors who aren't able to grow their own fresh vegetables," Bretz said.

"It sounds like a great program," added Commission Chairman Penny Traina.

In addition to helping older residents, Bretz said the program will serve as an economic development program of sorts for county farmers who will benefit from the purchase of their produce at these local markets.

The program is expected start by May 1 and will end Oct. 31, spanning pretty much the growing season.