Aging services: farmers-market coupons distributed late; home repair fund replenished by local foundation award

The Office for the Aging told the committee on July 15 that farmers-market coupon booklets arrived late this season but are now being distributed across the county and that staff will make home visits for homebound residents to complete paperwork and designate coupon designees.

Why it matters: Farmers-market coupons and home-repair funds assist low-income older residents with nutrition and accessibility improvements.

Director Benvenuto said the coupons came in late and were being distributed; staff will conduct home visits for residents unable to reach distribution sites and accept signed designations so a proxy may spend coupons on a resident's behalf. "If someone who is homebound wants a farmers' booklet, we have to go to them and have them sign off on it, but then they can designate someone to spend those farmers market coupons," Benvenuto said.

Benvenuto also reported that the county will receive an award from the Bank of Greene County Charitable Foundation to replenish a home-repair fund used for accessibility projects. Benvenuto described an existing program that partners with a national retailer to supply materials; she is pursuing a motorized lift installation for a county client through a Lowe's-supported repair program.

The Office for the Aging also announced plans for a Senior Day event on Sept. 10, a cooking-with-OFA video series using farmers-market ingredients, and Medicare 101 sessions in several towns. Benvenuto said staff continue outreach to town boards and are scheduling visits across the county.

Ending: Staff asked the committee to help publicize distribution locations and cooling-center listings; Benvenuto said the office will provide a finalized wish list and more details closer to Senior Day.