The old expression “you couldn’t stir ’em with a stick” was certainly applicable Monday morning, as senior adults packed the Lillian D. Green Nutrition Center in Troy to register for the free Senior Farmers Market Nutrition coupon booklets valued at $30 each.

“This was the biggest and busiest first day that we have ever had,” said Hassie Green, Center director.

“We had people here this morning at 6:15 and we weren’t supposed to open until 9 a.m. There was such a huge crowd that we went ahead and opened at 8:30. It was a madhouse.”

When the dust settled at noon, the Lillian D. Green Nutrition Center had issued more than 500 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition coupon booklets.

“We don’t have but about 200 or more coupon booklets available so I’m sure that they will all be gone by Wednesday at the latest,” Green said.

“We had planned to issue the coupon booklets through Thursday, but Wednesday will probably be the last day, if they last that long.”

Last year, the Lillian D. Green Nutrition Center issued more than 1,000 coupon booklets.

“Our seniors really appreciate these coupon booklets because it means that they can purchase fresh fruits and vegetables that they couldn’t otherwise,” Green said.

“Many of them use the coupons to buy farm fresh produce to can or put in the freezer. These coupons are greatly valued.”

Green said many of those who crowded the nutrition center on Monday came the first day because they were afraid the coupons might give out.

“Others came early because last year, they forgot and didn’t get any coupons,” Green said. “They didn’t want to be left out this year.”

The coupons booklets will be available today and Wednesday from 9 a.m. until noon at the Lillian D. Green Nutrition Center on Elm Street in Troy.

Registration for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition coupon booklets in Goshen will be today from 9 until 11 a.m. at the Goshen Senior Center and in Brundidge June 9 from 9 a.m. until noon and from 1 until 3 p.m. at the Robert E. Barr Nutrition Center (Brundidge Station).

“To be eligible for the coupons, you must be 60 years of age or older and meet the income level,” Green said.

“For a household of one, the household income before taxes are withheld can be no more than $18,200; for a household of two, $24,500 and, for a household of three, $30,800.”

Green said those who apply for the coupon booklets must bring some form of identification such as a driver’s license, passport, Medicaid card or some other form of identification.