Hundreds of Fall River’s low-income seniors took advantage of the Farmers Market Coupon distribution held at three Council On Aging Senior Centers on August 4, 1011. Coupon distribution  took place at the Flint Senior Center, the Niagara-Maplewood Senior Center, and the South Main Senior Center. Each senior received $25 in coupons redeemable for fresh produce from participating, certified farmers at the Kennedy Park, Ruggles Park and Old Second Street Farmers Markets, as well as other markets around the state. The Coupon Program for Elders is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. The coupons were made available to elders at least 60 years of age, who have limited income, through Bristol Elder Services, Inc. The goals of the program are to encourage recipients to eat more locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables, to promote more overall consumption of fresh produce, and to promote Massachusetts agriculture. Click here for the Herald News article. Click here for photos of last year's coupon distribution. For more information, contact Pauline Gousie at the Council on Aging at 508-324-2401.

(Top row, left and center and Middle row, left) Theresa Fredericks sits across from South Main Street Senior Center Director Bernadette Maynard as she waits to be issued her coupons. (Top row, right) Barbara Desrosiers sits across from Council on Aging associate director Pauline Gousie as she waits for her coupons. (Middle row, right) John Kirker waits in line for his turn as Bob Maynard oversees the operation. (Bottom row, left and center) University of Massachusetts Extension Nutrition Education Program educator Lauren Coll hands Elaine Scolaro a sample of sorbet made with fresh peaches that she can be purchase at the Downtown Farmer's Market. (Bottom row, right) Natalie Raposa and Susanna Duarte look over some of the produce that can be purchased with the coupons from Maria Cabral's stand at the Downtown Farmers' Market.