Vouchers available for fresh fruits and veggies

The Vernon Farmers Market is off and running, set up each Saturday morning on the north side of the Wilbarger County Courthouse, and on Tuesday afternoons between 4-6 p.m. on the front lawn of Wilbarger General Hospital at the midweek market.

The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) provides seniors and WIC participants with fresh fruits and vegetables while promoting awareness of and participation in local farmers’ markets. The program runs between May 1 and September 30.

Eligible participants will receive vouchers to be used throughout the season at farmers’ markets certified by the Texas Department of Agriculture.

To be eligible, an applicant must meet the following criteria:

— be 60 years of age or older

— live at or below 185% of the poverty level

— reside in one of the 12 counties of the Food Bank’s service area:

Archer, Baylor, Clay, Foard, Haskell, Jack, Knox, Montague, Throckmorton, Wichita, Wilbarger or Young counties

— OR be a qualifying WIC participant

Vouchers are distributed to qualifying participants Saturday morning between 9 and 11 am at the Vernon Farmers’ Market on the north side of the Wilbarger County courthouse and Tuesday afternoons between 4-6pm on the front lawn of Wilbarger General Hospital at the midweek market.  WIC participants must bring a current shopping list to register.  Seniors will need their drivers’ license.  Vouchers can be redeemed for fresh fruit and vegetables at the Vernon Farmers’ Saturday or Tuesday markets with participating vendors.