Nearly $2 million in Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program checks will be distributed across the state to expand the United States Department of Agriculture’s $1.5 million program and reach more seniors. The program provides checkbooks to low-income New Yorkers age 60 and older to purchase $20 worth of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables from local farmers’ markets.

In upstate communities, checks will be available for eligible seniors starting June 17 at county Area Agencies on Aging.

Approximately 20,000 more booklets will be distributed this year than last year for a total of 120,000. The booklets consisting of five $4 checks will allow for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables from 950 farmers vending at 600 community farmers markets and farm stands across the state. A pocket folder with instructions on how and where to use the checks to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers at the market will be included with each checkbook.

The program is administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, in cooperation with the New York State Office for the Aging, the New York City Department for the Aging and the New York State Department of Health. Nutrition education is provided by Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Checks may be used at participating farmers markets through Nov. 30 of this year.

Eligible recipients must be 60 or older and meet the income eligibility requirement — $1,815 or less per month for a person living alone or $2,456 per month for a couple — or affirm that they are currently receiving or are eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income, public assistance, or Section 8 housing subsidy. Recipients cannot have received Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program checks from any other location.

For a listing of farmers markets across the state, go online to www.data.ny.gov.