Farmers market vouchers available
Beginning in June, as farmers markets return to area communities, eligible seniors can again begin receiving vouchers for fresh produce.
The vouchers are provided through the Pennsylvania Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), a cooperative effort of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Pennsylvania WIC Program, the Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging and senior centers. The goal is to jointly support seniors’ nutrition as well as stimulating sales at local farmers markets.
The program is open to those 60 or older who meet program criteria. The program provides four, $5 vouchers once during the program year. The vouchers can be picked up at local senior community centers or Area Agency on Aging offices. They may be redeemed at designated area farmers markets through Nov. 30.
To be eligible, an individual must be a resident of Fayette, Greene or Washington County. An eligible individual’s gross income – which includes interest, Social Security, wages, Black Lung – must be at or below $23,107. For two people in a household, the income may be $31,284.
A recipient may authorize a proxy to pick up and use the vouchers provided the benefits ultimately reach the eligible participant. Proxy statements – available at local senior centers, Area Agency on Aging offices and online at www.swpa-aaa.org – must be completed prior to picking up the vouchers.
Seniors living in nursing or residential facilities, where meals are provided, are not eligible for the program.
Vouchers are redeemable only at participating farmers market/vendor sites. A list of participating farmers should be available when vouchers are distributed.
To redeem your vouchers, look for the PA Preferred logo when you visit a local farmers market.
Checks may only be used at farmers markets to purchase fruits and vegetables grown in Pennsylvania or produce that was purchased directly from a previously approved farmer from the neighboring states of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and West Virginia. Wholesale produce is not eligible.
Farmers cannot accept vouchers for citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges, tropical fruits such as bananas, pineapples and mangos, not grown in Pennsylvania, or processed foods such as jams, honey, cider or baked goods.
For more information, contact a senior center in Fayette, Greene or Washington County. You may also call the Area Agency on Aging at 724-489-8080, ext. 4430, or one of the county offices near you: Fayette County, Uniontown, 724-430-4603; Greene County, Waynesburg, 724-852-1510; Washington County, Washington, 724-228-7080.