Senior Project FRESH

The Otsego County Commission on Aging, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging, MSU Extension, the Gaylord Downtown Development Authority, and the Gaylord Farmers’ Cooperative offer a program targeted at bringing fresh locally-grown produce and nutritional information to the older adults of Otsego County. Known as Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH (SPF/MF), the program offers a free coupon booklet to each qualifying participant that can be used to purchase unprocessed Michigan-grown produce at any of the farmers markets or roadside stands in Michigan that display a “Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH” sign. Each coupon booklet contains ten $2.00 coupons. Each booklet is valued at $20.00.

To apply for a coupon booklet, participants must complete an Applicant Form that includes a short nutrition screening. Applicants qualify based on their age, county residency, and income. To be considered, applicants must be at least 60 years of age or older and be a resident of Otsego County. Income limits are pretty generous. A single person can have an income of up to $22,459.00 per year and qualify, and couples can have up to $30,451.00 per year. Those who are unable to shop for themselves may assign a proxy and should complete the Proxy form. To apply, please:

Complete an Applicant Form and a Proxy Form (if you will need a proxy to shop for you)
Contact SPF/MF Coordinator Wanda Cherwinski at (989) 748-4071. She will arrange a time to meet with you and review your completed application. Upon verification of your qualification for the program, she will assign you a coupon booklet. You will have until October 31, 2018 to use the coupons.

Michigan Fruits and Vegetables Availability Guide