ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- If you’re a senior citizen and looking to save some money in the Southern Tier, you’re in luck. The Chemung County Department of Aging and Long Term Care is hosting a series of events where qualifying individuals can receive Senior Farmer Market Coupons. The coupon books can be picked up in person by qualified persons or can be acquired via a Power of Attorney on an eligible senior’s behalf. 

These coupons are available on a first come first serve basis. To qualify for a Farmer Market Coupon recipients must be a New York State resident and 60 years of age or older as well as report a Monthly Income at or below 185 percent of Federal Poverty Guidelines, which stands at $3,041 per month in a two-person household. On top of that interested seniors must have not received a SFMNP coupon booklet from another location at any time this year.

Drive-thru distributions will take place on three different occasions in July: 

Friday, July 14th at New Beginnings UMC, 300 East Miller Street in Elmira from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. 

Thursday, July 20th at Chemung County Fairgrounds, Fairview Road in Horseheads from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. 

Tuesday, July 25th at Faith Temple Church, 765 Harper Street Elmira from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. 

Walk up distributions will also take place throughout July: 

Thursday, July 13th at Van Etten Town Board, 6 Gee Street in Van Etten from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. 

Monday, July 17th at Transformation Center, 314 W. Church Street in Elmira 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. 

Wednesday, July 19th at Grace Lee Wesleyan Food Pantry, 2075 Chambers Road in Beaver Dams (no time listed) 

The program is headed by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and is designed to promote local farmers by helping grow sales at local markets and create healthy residents through consumption of clean and fresh produce. Each eligible senior can receive a booklet of 5 coupons of $5 each for a total of $25, good to use at any participating farmer’s market throughout New York State. 

Those looking for more information should call 607-737-5520