Discounted fruits, vegetables available to Morton Grove seniors

By Cathryn Gran cgran@pioneerlocal.com August 12, 2011 11:08AM

Updated: August 12, 2011 11:08AM

Morton Grove has found a way to put fresh fruits and vegetables into the hands of its senior citizens.

The village has teamed up with Skokie, the Skokie Valley Senior Services and the Levy Center in Skokie to provide coupons seniors can use at the Morton Grove Farmers’ Market, explained Jackie Walker-O’Keefe, director of family and senior services for the village.

“This is our first year with the program,” she said. “The federal Farm Bill granted money to states to provide seniors with coupons to use at any farmers’ market.”

The program is open to single senior citizens with an annual income of less than $20,146. Couples must have an annual income of less than $27,213, according to the guidelines.

“Each eligible senior receives a book with seven, $3 coupons,” Walker-O’Keefe said. “And in addition to fruits and veggies, the Farmers’ Market has added honey this year, which also can be purchased with coupons.”

The market is open from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 15 in the parking lot at 8930 Waukegan Road.

Walker-O’Keefe said most vendors at the market will accept the coupons.

“Seniors can use the coupons as money, but they will not get back change,” she said. “They can use all the coupons in one shot or use them until the end of October.”

Fruits currently in season in Illinois include blackberries, blueberries and cantaloupes. Vegetables include corn, eggplant and cauliflower.

Applications for the program are available from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays at the Civic Center, 6140 Dempster St.

Additional information is available by calling (847) 470-5246.

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