Starting with the July 11 Farmers Market in Pagosa Springs, the San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging (SJBAAA) is offering a new program that provides coupons for a limited number of older adult and caregiving shoppers who prefer to purchase local fresh produce. To apply, please contact Debra Herrera at 403-2164.
The coupons will be available for 10 people in the beginning, and the program will continue if successful. The 10 people each will receive $50 in $5 coupons for the market.
The funds for the coupons come from the federal CARES Act, which was passed to help stimulate the economy and give support during the COVID-19 pandemic, so the coupons expire by October 31.
Approved coupon users must follow the market’s entrance and social distancing requirements of keeping 6 feet apart and wearing a face covering. Anyone with preexisting health conditions due to oxygen limitations is exempt, but should let Herrera know. Those who have been accepted will be on a list; they must stop at the Farmers Market booth and mention that they are checking in for the SJBAAA CARES Act program.
The Farmers Market is open from 9am to 1pm. and is located on the south side of US 160 at the east end of town within the East Side Market. The intended final Farmers Market date is September 26.
This program is also offered to residents of Montezuma County and will be implemented soon in the region’s other counties.
SJBAAA offers resources for people age 60 and older or on Medicare. For further information, please call or text 403-2165 or send an email to leadombudsman@ sjbaaa.org.