(Cass County, Iowa) –  The Cass County Local Food Policy Council reminds residents that Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) senior vouchers remain available. The senior voucher program provides $30 in farmers market fresh produce vouchers to adults age 60 and older with annual incomes less than $25,142 (single) and $33,874 (married). To apply for the FMNP senior vouchers, individuals over age 60 should call the Connections Area Agency on Aging at 800-432-9209 (extension 8888) and leave a message with their name and phone number.

While all Cass County farmers markets are certified to accept the vouchers, only the Lewis Farmers Market and Produce in the Park remained open past August. Both markets will be open until October 13, 2022.

Cass County Farmers Markets Fall 2022

• Lewis Farmers Market:
  Location: 3HO (201 1st St., Lewis, IA 51544)
  Time/Dates: Tuesdays 4:00-6:30 PM, Thursdays 4:30-6:30 PM, May 31– October 13
  Highlights: Fresh produce, baked treats, crafts, and pallet wood creations.
  $: Some vendors accept Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) Senior vouchers and WIC checks.
  Contact: (712)789)-9455
• Produce in the Park:
  Location: Atlantic City Park (10 W 7th St., Atlantic, IA 50022)
  Time/Dates: Thursdays 4:30-6:30, June 2– October 13
  Website: www.produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com
  Highlights: Fresh, local produce, baked goods, farm-fresh eggs, honey, local meat, soaps, candles,
  additional crafts and art, and weekly food truck. Live music, Guest Chef, Free Samples, and Activities.
  $: Some vendors accept Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) Senior vouchers and WIC checks. All
  qualifying food vendors at Produce in the Park accept SNAP/EBT (“food stamps”). All produce vendors at
  the market both accept and distribute Double Up Food Bucks ($1 coupons for fresh produce provided
  for every dollar spent on fresh produce with SNAP/EBT up to $10 per transaction).
  Contact: (712) 249-5870

For more information on local food, farmers markets, and food access, follow the Cass County Local Food Policy Council’s Facebook page @CassCountyLocalFood.

The Cass County Local Food Policy Council is a Cass County Government advisory body that promotes local foods and food access. The Council facilitates networking among people and groups who are involved in all aspects of the local food system—from growing and processing, to selling and eating. In its work, the Council gathers information about local food-related needs and considers what might be done to make sure everyone in Cass County has access to healthy food.

The Council then makes recommendations and supports organizations working toward that goal. To learn more about the Council, contact Cass County Wellness Coordinator Brigham Hoegh at bhoegh@iastate.edu or (712) 249-5870. The next Council meeting is September 13 at 2:00 PM at the Cass County ISU Extension Office (805 W. 10th St. Atlantic, IA 50022). Meetings are open to the public.