Stressing that nutritious fresh fruits and vegetables are important elements of a healthy diet, Assemblyman William Colton (D—Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights) and City Councilmember Susan Zhuang (D—Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Gravesend, Dyker Heights, Boro Park and Sunset Park) helped distribute coupons that could be used to purchase those items at local farmers’ markets.

The coupons, worth $25, were distributed to people 60 years of age and older whose income is less than or equal to 185 percent of the federal poverty level, guidelines established as part of the state Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs. They can be used at authorized farmers’ markets and farmstands, and must be used by November 30, 2025.

“Food insecurity is an important issue facing many of our community’s older residents,” said Assemblyman Colton. “Programs like this one help those who struggle to put nutritious meals on their table by enhancing access to locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables bought directly from the people who grow them. So, the reach of the program is broad – not only our seniors, but also our state’s farmers, benefit from this initiative.”

The event was held at the United Chinese Association of Brooklyn, 1787 Stillwell Avenue. A total of 750 people received the coupons.

For further information about the program, which is administered by NYSDAM in collaboration with the state Department of Health, the state Office for the Aging, and Cornell Cooperative Extension, go to www.human.cornell.edu/dns/fmnp, or call the WIC hotline, 1-800-522-5006 or the Senior hotline, 1-800-342-9871.

Among the goals of the program, according to the website, are to “enhance the health of nutritionally at-risk New Yorkers, improve nutrition knowledge and food skills, promote use of farmers’ markets by WIC families and low-income seniors, support New York farmers selling fresh produce at farmers’ markets [and] promote farmers’ markets for sustainable and vibrant communities.”

Farmers’ markets that accept the coupons have signage indicating “We gladly accept NYS FMNP coupons.” Among the farmers’ markets in Brooklyn accepting the coupons are the Bensonhurst, Bay Ridge and Sunset Park Greenmarkets. For a list of all local farmers’ markets where the coupons are accepted, as well as dates, days and times of operation, go to https://agriculture.ny.gov/farmers-markets-county, and select Kings County from the drop-down menu.