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ST. CLAIRSVILLE -- Area senior citizens will have the chance to get some fresh produce from local farmers this summer and fall.
Belmont County Senior Services Director Dwayne Pielech told commissioners Wednesday that the Senior Farmers' Market will operate May 1 through October for eligible seniors. Pielech said $50 voucher coupons will be provided for use at local farmers' markets and roadside stands, which will be open in that timeframe.
Once approved, participating seniors will have summer and fall to spend their ten $5 coupons. Pielech said COVID-19 is one more barrier to seniors obtaining fresh produce.
"There's still a core of our seniors that are concerned about going out into the public, so parts of our senior centers, some of the staff have been going out and helping the public, grocery shopping for our seniors. Those that are most concerned might also have underlying health issues, and so we're trying to reach out and help them as much as we can, especially seniors that don't have other family members in the area," Pielech said.
The 2020 program was a success, with almost 400 local residents participating. Seniors are encouraged to start calling to apply as soon as possible, since there is a limited allocation for Belmont County and the program will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Senior Services of Belmont County will receive a little more than $11,400 for the program. Once allotted vouchers are distributed, the agency will start a waiting list in case additional funding is obtained from other counties that don't use their allocations.
Pielech said his office is aggressively pursuing funding. It received $11,000 for vouchers last year.
"I know other counties aren't as aggressive as we try to be, so they may not utilize their allocations," he said.
Pielech said he expects more applicants this year after word has spread about the program.
"This is a great opportunity for our eligible seniors to get outdoors and not only be able to purchase local farmers' market products but support our local farmers," Commissioner Josh Meyer said. "Our seniors can practice safety first when visiting the markets and roadside farmers' stands, while also buying locally grown vegetables."
Pielech added that his department has been distributing produce throughout the pandemic and continues to do so twice a month.
"We expect that as the pandemic starts to wind down, hopefully soon, that (bimonthly distribution) program could possibly go away. So in lieu of that, this program is another option for those that are income-eligible to get their fresh produce," Pielech said.
To be eligible, a senior must earn less than $23,828 per year and complete an application. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the application process can be completed by telephone by calling Senior Services at 740-695-4142.