The state Department of Agriculture sent the Mercer County Area Agency on Aging, Inc., an additional 6,000 Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks worth $5 each.

The program gives $20 to $40 in checks to eligible low- to moderate-income older adults living in Mercer County to encourage them to purchase and consume fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers markets, a news release said.

Older adults, age 60 or older, who live in Mercer County and have a yearly gross income at or below $16,391 for a single person or $22,089 for a couple are eligible for the program. Checks are issued on a first come, first served basis.

Checks and farmers market information are available at the following times and locations:

   » Shenango Valley Center for Aging & Geriatric Health, 220 N. Buhl Farm Drive, Hermitage, from 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

   » Greenville Area Senior Community Center in the Kiefer Building, 339 E. Jamestown Road, Greenville, from 9 a.m. to noon on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

   » Grove City Senior Community Center, 301 S. Broad St., Grove City, from 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.

   » McQuiston Center by the Park, 29 Railroad St., Sandy Lake, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

   » The Administrative Office at Mercer County Area Agency on Aging, 133 N. Pitt St., Mercer, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.