With the tightening economy and the increasing prices for food it has become more difficult for out Senior Citizens to acquire enough food to eat healthy on a fixed income. Owsley County Extension, Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Owsley County Farmers Market have partnered to provide Senior Food Vouchers to the seniors who are over 60 years old, to allow them to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at the local Farmers Market. We also provide programs and recipes to each participant while at the Market. Each Participant receives a $50.00 Debit Card to use at the market where they can also get the amount doubled through a program called Double Dollars.

The Senior food Vouchers have been very successful, in the last two years we have distributed 660 cards to the seniors at a value of $33,000.00 with the possibility of adding an additional $10,000.00 in Double Dollars this year. We have a redemption rate of more than 95% and have had numerous participants share their stories with us on how much this has helped them to not only have food but to eat healthier.