By Regina Horton

Red River Council on Aging is happy to announce we are now taking applications for the 2017 Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). SFMNP provides low-income seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for eligible foods (fruits, vegetables, honey, and fresh-cut herbs) at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture (CSA) programs.

The SFMNP serves low-income seniors, generally defined as individuals who are at least 60 years old and who have household incomes of not more than 185 percent of the Federal Income Poverty Guidelines (published each year by the Department of Health and Human Services), are the targeted recipients of SFMNP benefits.

We will be taking application until we have reached our parish quota.Coupons are expected to be mailed out by early June.Come in and see Regina, Monday – Friday from 7am to 2pm or call (318) 932-5721.

Sources at the Council on Aging tell The Journal that most of the coupons issued to Red River Parish residents are used right here in the parish. They said it is because the quality and large variety of fruits and vegetables available at two local outlets is so great that people don’t need to leave the area to find what they want.