Seniors can take part in program to get coupons for produce

The opening of the eighth season of the Ironton Farmers Market has been delayed for a couple of weeks.

In March, Sam Heighton, the market manager and the executive director of Ironton aLive, said they had hope to open it up on Friday, since the State of Ohio has determined that the markets are an essential business.

But due to a lack of local produce and concerns about the coronavirus, it was decided to delay the opening to May 15.

“We hope to have more produce available and have more favorable conditions concerning COVID-19,” Heighton said.

Another adjustment is how people go through the market. Local farmers have always set up under the shelter at the Second Street Market Square.

“We will open as a drive through market or with social distancing restrictions,” Heighton said. “All safety precautions will be taken to have a safe market.”
Another change this year is that the market will take part in the Ohio Department of Aging’s Senior Farmers Market Nutrition program after Lawrence County was added to the counties in Ohio that have the program available.

To get more information, including a list of eligible produce, visit the Area Agency on Aging on their website www.aaa7.org. An application is available and you need to be 60 or older to be eligible. If you would like an application mailed to you, call the Ironton Farmers Market Manager at 740-533-7951.

Eligible consumers will receive ten $5 coupons. Five of the coupons expire July 31 and five expire October 31.

Coupons can only be used by the person that signed up and received them. You cannot receive change from the market vendor.

The Ironton Farmers Market is held at Market Square on Second Street in Ironton on Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m.–3 p.m. or until vendors sell out. The market’s vendors are from Lawrence County and surrounding counties and they offer a variety of goods from seasonal produce like gourds and pumpkins, baked goods, honey, eggs, homemade candy, homemade crafts and flowers.