Making the Senior Token Program Possible

Photo of Linda Gill of Honey Bee Acres

MOUNT VERNON – Healthy eating is a little easier for those age 60 and older in Knox County thanks to incentive programs at the Mount Vernon Farmers Market.

The Knox County Task Force for Older Adults acquires funding from the Knox County Commissioners and private donors to make the senior token program possible. Shoppers can receive $10 worth of tokens twice a month to spend once they sign up with representatives of the task force at the market. Tokens can be used for fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey. The only requirements for the tokens are that recipients be age 60 or over, reside in Knox County, and show identification. Task force representatives start distributing the tokens at 9 a.m.
The Area Agency on Aging, Ohio District 5 – which includes Knox County – makes available the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. This income-based program administered by the agency can provide low-income seniors aged 60 and over with $50 worth of coupons good for the entire market season to be used on fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey. For information contact the agency at 1-419-524-4144 or visit the website www.aaa5ohio.org.
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet can help protect against serious and costly chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and obesity.
Both programs are well received by shoppers and vendors alike.
Local honey is featured at the market by Honey Bee Acres, My Bee Supply, Inc. Honey has many health benefits according to the Farmer’s Almanac:
  • A good source of antioxidants
  • Antibacterial and antifungal properties
  • Heals wounds
  • Help for digestive issues
  • Soothe a sore throat and cough
In addition to several varieties of local honey, Honey Bee Acres offers beeswax candles and beeswax bars. You’ll find Honey Bee Acres on the north side of the square.
Market supporters are invited to cast a ballot in America’s Farmers Market Celebration by voting online at markets.farmland.org. Just enter 43050 when prompted for a zip code to cast your ballot for the local market.
The Mount Vernon Farmers Market runs through October 30 on the Public Square Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon. To learn more about the market follow on Facebook and Instagram or email FarmersMarketMountVernon@gmail.com.
Information courtesy of the Mount Vernon Farmer’s Market