At the Aug. 12 Federal Way City Council meeting, Mayor Jim Ferrell and the City Council approved additional funding to expand the Federal Way Farmers Market’s Healthy Seniors Voucher Program, increasing both the number of weekly vouchers available and the value of each voucher.

The City will contribute $2,224 from the Senior Advisory Commission’s restricted fund and $2,000 from the Mayor’s budget to provide 60 free vouchers each week on a first-come, first-served basis. That’s an increase of 24 vouchers weekly.

The added funding also raises the value of each voucher from $6 to $10, allowing seniors to purchase more fresh produce from market vendors.

Vouchers can be obtained and redeemed at the Federal Way Farmers Market, held every Saturday at The Commons Mall through October 25.

“This speaks volumes about the generosity of our city, our Council, and our community,” Mayor Ferrell said. “Ensuring our seniors can access fresh, healthy food is a vital part of supporting their overall well-being and the health of our community.”

The initiative began when the Senior Advisory Commission initially requested $504 from its restricted fund to expand voucher access. Mayor Ferrell and the Council saw an opportunity to do more and worked with City staff to determine the best path forward.

The Farmers Market’s Health Seniors Vouchers Program is a partnership between the City of Federal Way, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, and Steel Lake Presbyterian Church.

Seniors interested in participating can visit the Federal Way Farmers Market on Saturdays at The Commons Mall.