Summer brings fresh food, and seniors can get in on it.
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is designed to provide low-income seniors, age 60 and older, with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs.
To be eligible, seniors must have a monthly income at or below $2,461 for a one-person household or $3,337 for a two-person household. Eligible residents can obtain a booklet of five $5 coupons through their local county office for the aging. Booklets will be available in July and can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers’ markets and farm stands.
While coupons are good throughout New York state, consumers are reminded that not all farmers at farmers’ markets accept them. When coupon booklets are distributed, a list of participating farmers’ markets will be provided.
This year, offices for the aging across New York state are anticipating a significant reduction in the number of farmers’ market coupons that will be available through SFMNP. For the past three years, New York state has been supplementing the program through funding available from the American Rescue Plan Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and those funds expired in September 2025. Therefore, Otsego, Delaware and Schoharie County Offices for the Aging will only receive 300 coupon booklets per county. Last year, Otsego County Office for the Aging alone distributed more than 850 booklets.
For active duty military members, veterans and their dependents, FreshConnect checks are available through the state Department of Veterans’ Services offices. FreshConnect checks can be used for fresh produce and other food items at participating farmers’ markets throughout New York state. No income guidelines apply. For more information, contact the Oneonta Veterans’ Service office at 607-432-4190.
In an effort to increase access to fresh produce, Otsego County Office for the Aging is excited to share information about a new initiative being offered through the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schoharie & Otsego Counties, called Grow a Row. This is also a great opportunity for local gardeners to donate their extra fruits or vegetables.
Grow a Row is a community-driven initiative that encourages gardeners to plant an extra row — or grow a little extra — of fruits or vegetables to donate to local food pantries and hunger relief organizations. There are no minimum donation requirements and no commitments. Grow a Row welcomes donations of any size. Even a small amount of fresh produce can make a meaningful difference. Participants are encouraged to grow what is realistic for their space, time and experience level.
By sharing fresh, locally grown produce, participants help combat food insecurity and increase access to healthy food across Schoharie and Otsego counties.
Growers can be home gardeners, school gardens, community gardens or farms. Growers will join a growing network of community gardeners united by a shared commitment to increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables while making good use of the abundance our gardens often provide.
Grow a Row is a small commitment that can make a big difference. Together, we can help ensure more families in Schoharie and Otsego Counties have access to fresh, nutritious, locally grown food.
By signing up as a grower, participants will receive gardening education and support from CCESO Master Gardener volunteers throughout the growing season. Support may include written resources, workshops and direct assistance, as well as help connecting local food pantries and designated produce drop-off locations. Growers can locate produce donation sites using an interactive map available through CCESO. The map will show participating food pantries, their locations, hours, contact information and type of produce accepted.
Those who have questions or would like additional information about Grow a Row should contact Marcie Foster, horticulture and natural resources educator, at mkf48@cornell.edu or call 607-547-2536 extension 235. More information can also be obtained at www.cceschoharie-otsego.org.