Kiwis and Kumquats and Chard, Oh My!

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Thursday that roughly 215,000 poor families who live at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level will be eligible to receive $24 in checks to buy fruits and vegetables at 470 farmer’s markets this summer, reported the Democrat and Chronicle. 

The state is spending $3.4 million in the form of check booklets — six checks each worth $4 — that will be available this month through September to poor families, such as a family of four with an annual income of $42,550 or below.

“Farmers’ markets help pump money back in to local economies while encouraging New Yorkers to support local agriculture and promote healthy eating,” Cuomo said in a statement.

For more information about the program, call 1-(800)-522-5006 and for a list of participating farmers’ markets, go to www.agriculture.ny.gov