The South Central Alabama Development Commission Area Agency on Aging will be distributing free coupon booklets valued at $30 each for senior adults to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs in Pike County.

The free coupon booklets are made available through the 2010 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program and will be available at three distribution sites in Pike County, June 7-10, said Hassie Green, director of the Lillian D. Green Nutrition Center in Troy.

The distribution schedule for the 2010 Farmers Market Nutrition Program is from 9 a.m. until noon on June 7, 8, 9 and 10 at the Lillian D. Green Nutrition Center, Colley Senior Complex, 715 Elm Street in Troy; from 9 until 11 a.m. on June 8 at the Goshen Senior Center, 535 Montgomery Street, Goshen; and from 9 a.m. until noon and from 1 until 3 p.m. on June 9 at the Robert E. Barr Senior Center (Brundidge Station), 128 North Main Street in Brundidge.

Senior adults may apply for the free Farmers Market coupons at any of the distribution sites.

“Certain criteria must be met in order to receive the coupon booklets,” Green said. “A person must be 60 years of age or older and must meet the income level requirements.”

Green said a household income, before taxes are withheld, must not exceed $18,200 for a one person household, $24,500 for a two-person household and $30,800 for a household of three.”

Coupons will be distributed on a first-come, first serve basis. Only one booklet will be issued to each person. A proxy may act on behalf of two eligible persons. Each person must provide some form of identification such as a driver’s license, passport, Medicaid card or non-driver’s license.

The Pioneer Farmers Market in Troy is a great place to redeem the coupons and the vendors have a good variety of produce throughout the growing season, Green said.

“The Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupons are much appreciated by our senior adults because they give our seniors an opportunity to purchase farm fresh fruits and vegetables that they might not be able to purchase otherwise,” she said. “Some of our seniors use the coupons to purchase peas and butterbeans for the freezer.”

Nellie Kilgore is one of those who looks forward to being able to put peas in the freezer.

“You can get peas shelled or unshelled,” she said. “The vendors are so nice and friendly and, if you tell them what you want, they’ll bring it to you the next time.”

Jessie Bryant said another good thing about the Pioneer Farmers Market in Troy is that you don’t have to leave home to find good farm fresh vegetables and fruits.

Opening day for the Pioneer Farmers Market will be at 7 a.m. on Saturday June 5 on the lot behind First United Methodist Church of Troy. The market will also be open at 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the growing season.