The program is available to Illinois residents age 60 and older who meet its income limits. Local agencies distribute the booklets on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
Updated August 12, 2026.
Older adults in Rock Island and Mercer counties can apply for up to $40 to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh-cut herbs and local honey during the 2026 Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program season.
Each eligible participant may receive one free booklet containing four $10 checks. However, meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee that booklets remain available. Local agencies distribute them on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
Rock Island and Mercer are among the 37 Illinois counties participating in the program. Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging coordinates application and distribution information for both counties.
The 2026 season began July 10. Participants can use the checks through October 31 at authorized farmers markets and roadside stands.
The monthly income limit starts at $2,461 for a one-person household
The program serves Illinois residents age 60 and older whose household income does not exceed 185% of the federal poverty level.
The 2026 income limits are:
| Household size | Maximum monthly income | Maximum annual income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,461 | $29,526 |
| 2 people | $3,337 | $40,034 |
| 3 people | $4,212 | $50,542 |
| 4 people | $5,088 | $61,050 |
| 5 people | $5,964 | $71,558 |
| 6 people | $6,839 | $82,066 |
| 7 people | $7,715 | $92,574 |
| 8 people | $8,591 | $103,082 |
For each additional household member, the income limit increases by $876 per month or $10,508 per year.
The regional agency can clarify how applicants verify their age, Illinois residency and household income.
The four $10 checks work only with authorized vendors
The booklets cover four categories of locally grown products:
- Fresh fruit.
- Fresh vegetables.
- Fresh-cut herbs.
- Locally produced honey.
The benefit is not loaded onto a SNAP account and does not work as credit at every grocery store. Only farmers markets and roadside stands authorized by the program can accept the checks.
Participating vendors display a yellow sign with black lettering that reads “Farmers Market Nutrition Program Benefits Accepted Here.”
Illinois increased the maximum benefit from $25 in 2025 to $40 per participant in 2026. The state prepared more than 24,000 booklets for eligible older adults this season.
Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging serves Rock Island and Mercer
Residents of Rock Island County and Mercer County can contact Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging for application information and current booklet availability.
Regional contact:
- Local telephone: 309-793-6800
- Toll-free telephone: 1-800-322-1051
- Address: 729 34th Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The agency can confirm whether booklets remain available, where distributions take place and what information applicants need. Contact information is available on the Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging website.
The Illinois Senior HelpLine also provides information about services for older adults at 1-800-252-8966, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
State income limits and the complete list of participating counties are available through the official Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program requirements.
Related: 150,000 Illinois households may lose SNAP benefits.
Checks issued for the 2026 season expire after October 31.
Stay informed about what is happening in your community. Visit HolaAmericaNews.com for news, culture and community updates from across the Midwest.
Facebook Comments
