Submitted By: Allison Stehlik, VP of Community Living Services
Born and raised in South Dakota, Twila feels there is nothing better than fresh and locally farmed produce. Twila is a resident of Auglaize County and moved to the area over 20 years ago to help raise her grandchildren. Though Twila will be 81 in March of this year, she remains independent and is involved within her housing community. Twila participates in the Senior Farmers' Market Program through the agency. The program is largely supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Older adults receive $50 in coupons to purchase produce from local participating farmers, farmer’s markets, or roadside stands. Produce must be locally sourced (Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, or Pennsylvania) and eligible items include fruits, vegetables, fresh herbs, and honey. Twila has been on the program for the past two years. Twila states that without the program she would not eat as much fresh produce. Twila drives to her local participating farmer’s roadside stand. She reports that those running the stands are very knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. She enjoys getting fresh green vegetables and states, “There is no comparison between store bought and home grown produce.” The market is reported to have a variety of items and Twila is always pleased with what they have. Twila still does some babysitting, has taken over the birthday card writing for the residents in her complex, and enjoys planting flowers in the Spring. She feels without the fresh produce, she would not have the energy to do the things she loves which keep her young! The Senior Farmers' Market Program is an annual program. Applications will be available around March 15th, 2020. For more information please contact the Area Agency on Aging 3 and talk to one of our team members! Participants must meet eligibility guidelines. For more information about the Senior Farmers' Market please call the Area Agency on Aging 3 at 419-222-7723 or 1-800-653-7723.
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