Island Senior: Shopping With “Soroptibucks”

From the Farmer’s Market – Peggy Sue McRae photo

Island Senior is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae…

Eating fresh wholesome food is one of the cornerstones of maintaining good health. As anyone who shops for food knows, this can get expensive. Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor has generated greater access to good food by partnering with San Juan County Health and Community Services to offer Farmer’s Market coupons, or “Soroptibucks” to Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and to low-income Seniors. When the word went out at the Mullis Center earlier this year I applied.

Yesterday, I shopped at the Farmer’s Market with my Soroptibucks. While the state offers Farmers Market coupons under the Washington State Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, I was happy to see that with my Soroptibucks I could purchase fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats, cheese, eggs, seafood, pasta, bread, honey, and jam… Coupons from the state are to be used for produce only plus approved honey and herbs.

I made my first purchase at Mama Bird Farm’s tomato stand. I bought two different kinds of garlic, some Spicy Thai sea salt, and finally I purchased some Island Grown ground beef from Guard Sundstrom at the Meat Wagon. Guard told me that he sells to lots of people with Soroptibucks. It is a popular program. Thanks Soroptimists!

We’ve all heard the adage, “Tis more blessed to give than to receive”. Having been on both sides of that equation I can vouch for it. When we are giving it means we not only have enough for ourselves but we are blessed with a surplus from which to share with others. It feels good to be the author of such largesse. To be on the receiving end can feel a bit humbling especially in a culture like ours that prizes self-reliance. I urge you though, if you could use the help, not to be shy. You are not alone.

Thanks to the Soroptimists for their generous contributions to our community and thanks to our Farmers Market for the fantastic food!

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