Warren County Health Services staff announced three senior services updates: the Senior Fall Festival scheduled for Sept. 25 at the Fish Hatchery in Warrensburg with $5 tickets; an urgent need for volunteer meal delivery drivers for Warrensburg routes; and the distribution of Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupons (five $5 coupons) for seniors age 60 and older who meet income limits.

Nut graf: The items are operational outreach updates intended to boost participation, maintain meal delivery capacity for homebound seniors, and provide seniors with vouchers to buy fresh produce at participating farmers markets.

Details: Staff said the fall festival typically attracts about 250 seniors and that invitations will be sent to all supervisors. On meal delivery, staff said one regular volunteer is temporarily out and the county needs drivers for at least one route; mileage reimbursement is available. Regarding the coupons, staff said the county finally received the five $5 coupons and that seniors must be 60 or older and have monthly income below $2,413 for a single person; staff said the county does not verify income at issuance.

Staff explained how vendors become eligible to accept the coupons: vendors must reach out to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and be approved; once approved, vendors can accept the senior coupons as well as similar coupons used by veteran services and WIC. Staff noted not all farmers markets accept the coupons and advised seniors to check with local markets.

Ending: Staff said coupons are available at the health services office and at outreach events (dates posted on the department Facebook page) and asked supervisors to share volunteer and event notices on the county Facebook page.