Ellington Farmers Market Receives Grant From The Ivy Of Ellington

Ellington’s newest assisted living residential community, The Ivy of Ellington has generously donated $2,000.00 to Ellington Farmers’ Market for the upcoming outdoor market season to help low income seniors purchase fresh healthy foods. The funds will be used for matching vouchers for those residents who participate in the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, which is funded through the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.
Seniors over the age of 60 or those who are disabled and living in housing where congregate nutrition services are provided - and meet income eligibility - are issued a booklet that contains six $3.00 checks to be redeemed at authorized locations throughout Connecticut. The Ivy’s donation will enable Ellington Farmers’ Market to match that $18.00 with an additional $18.00 to stretch the purchasing power for those already participating in the program.
Although the Connecticut Department of Agriculture funds the program, they do not issue check
booklets to individuals. Those eligible must obtain the booklets through Senior Farmers’ Market
Nutrition Program distribution sites such as nonprofit agencies, senior centers or elderly service
organizations. Participants must already be enrolled in a program with proper means testing, such as the Renter Rebate program in order to verify their income. The Department of Agriculture checks can only be used to purchase fruits, vegetables, fresh cut herbs and honey. The check booklets are distributed by the various organizations at the end of June, and can be redeemed through October 31. Participants receiving Dept of Ag. checks need only to present their coupon booklets at Ellington Farmers’ Market and they will be given $18.00 worth of matching vouchers to shop at the Ellington market.