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Department for the Aging Starts Distributing Farmers Market Nutrition Program Coupons

Each coupon book is worth $25, which can be used at participating farmers markets and fruit stands in every borough

This year, more coupon booklets will be distributed than ever before, which more nutritious food options for older New Yorkers

New York, NY – The Department for the Aging (NYC Aging) is once again distributing the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program coupon booklets at more than 300 participating older adult centers and naturally occurring retirement communities across the city. Coupon booklets are redeemable at participating farmers markets and fruit stands in all five boroughs. This year, NYC Aging will be distributing 50,000 booklets, valued at $25 each – the most booklets in the history of the program.

“Making sure New Yorkers are able to access nutritious food has been a top priority of my administration, and through this program, older residents can purchase fruits and vegetables right in their back yard,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “Eating healthy comes with countless benefits not just for our body, but our minds as well, no matter how old you are. I encourage all New Yorkers to make fruits and vegetables a part of their everyday diet.”

“Providing good food options for older New Yorkers has always been a goal of NYC Aging and all our older adult centers, and the annual Farmers Market Nutrition Program allows them to access even more nutritious food,” said Department for the Aging Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez. “For older New Yorkers, this makes a real difference, and I am pleased we are able to increase the number of coupons to be distributed this year through this Program than ever before.”

“New York City’s Department for the Aging’s Farmers Market Nutrition Program is integral to the health and wellbeing of our older neighbors, who are among some of our most vulnerable community members. One-in-ten older New Yorkers are food insecure, and it is vitally important that we do all we can to ensure older adults have access to nutritional meals and culturally sensitive foods. The Farmers Market Nutrition Program is a tangible step to not only curbing food insecurity, but ensuring older New Yorkers have access to fresh and healthy options when they are grocery shopping,” said Councilmember Crystal Hudson, Chair of the Committee on Aging.

"As someone who represents a district with a significant amount of older adults, it is amazing we are making healthy, sustainable food more accessible for our older population" said Councilmember Lynn Schulman, Chair of the Committee on Health. "We are only as strong as our most vital communities, and creating equitable access like this to keep our older adult population healthy makes all of us stronger as a community."

"The Farmers Market Nutrition Program is crucial programming that older adults in my community and across the City rely on. That is why I am so excited to see this program return again this year” said Councilmember Amanda Farias, Chair of the Committee on Economic Development. “This program provides opportunities for residents to access nutritious food by connecting them to fresh produce at local farmers markets, while simultaneously supporting farmers and agricultural businesses. Initiatives like this not only increase access to quality food, but also support our local economies. Thank you to the NYC Department for the Aging for spearheading this great program."

The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, which is a federally funded initiative by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, endeavors to promote improved nutrition through increased consumption of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, while simultaneously increasing the sales at farmers’ markets and fruit stands in New York. Coupons are distributed on a first come, first serve basis and is open to all eligible older adults. You do not have to be a member of an Older Adult Center to qualify, but NYC Aging encourages visitors to learn about the programs and services the Center offers.

To be eligible to receive a coupon book, residents must be 60 years of age or older and meet one of the following income requirements:

$2,248/month for a one-person household;

$3,041/month for a two-person household;

$3,833/month for a three-person household.

Older New Yorkers can learn more about the Program find a list of participating farmers markets and fruit stands by visiting NYC Aging’s website, www.nyc.gov/aging. They can also ask where they can receive a coupon booklet by calling Aging Connect at 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469). Coupons must be used before they expire on November 30, 2023.

This program is sponsored by The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, New York State Department of Health, New York State Office for the Aging, and Cornell Cooperative Extension and USDA Food and Nutrition Service.

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