June 23, 2014 — Senior Lorain County residents who meet income eligibility guidelines again will be able to obtain federally-funded farmers market coupons allowing them to buy produce and other locally-grown food over the summer and beyond.

The coupons will be available through the June 24 to Oct. 3 or until supplies are exhausted.

The Lorain County Office on Aging will offer about 500 coupon vouchers.

Coupons are available to persons 60 and older on a "first-come, first-served basis."

Individuals may fill out applications for the coupons 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays from June to October at the agency's Elyria office at 320 N. Gateway Blvd.

A one-time sign-up is offered 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 26 in Room 115 of the Lorain County Community College Wellington Campus off state Route 58.

Each person is eligible to receive up to $50 worth of coupons, usually issued in packets of 10 $5 coupons.

Coupons come from the senior farmers market nutrition program that is supported by federal and state funds through the U.S. and Ohio Departments of Agriculture, as well as the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging.

Besides helping older people of limited means to obtain fresh, nutritious produce, the program's other chief aim is to support locally-grown food.

Coupon booklets will contain a listing of local farmers who have been approved to take part in the farmers market program.