This is the time of summer when the gardens are really producing.
Maybe you’re already up to your ears in sweet corn and every square inch in your kitchen is occupied by tomatoes.
On the other hand, you may be in a situation that either your health or lack of yard space means you have to buy your produce.
If you’re age 60 or more, or if you’re pregnant or parenting children under age 6, you may be able to get free fresh produce. Both groups must meet income criteria to be eligible.
Older adults can get $30 of vouchers to spend this season, and WIC provides $27 of vouchers for pregnant families and those with young children. The WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers may be used at farmers markets, individual farm stands or community-supported agriculture (CSA) farms throughout Iowa.
Look for signs saying the vendor accepts these vouchers.
The staff members of Dallas County Public Health Department tend a garden and donate the fresh vegetables to various senior housing apartment complexes and to the food rescue refrigerator at the Perry Public Library.
Westview Church in Waukee and Grace Lutheran Church of Adel also share produce from their gardens.
Ann Cochran is the health navigation coordinator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
