One of the great pleasures of summer is the abundance of tasty, fresh fruits and vegetables available at farmers’ markets. The Farmers’ Market Voucher Program distributes checks for older adults with limited incomes so they can afford to buy local produce from the people who grow it.
Sandy Schuckers of the Centre County Office of Aging coordinates the statewide program for the county. “This year, new to 2023, eligible participants will receive five $10 checks for a total of $50. It was $20 for a long time, and for the last two years it was $24. They can use them for fruits, vegetables and edible herbs grown locally,” she said.
“You have to pick the vouchers up in the county you reside in. They can be spent at any farmers’ market that accepts them,” she said. “Centre County residents can go to Lewisburg or Belleville — any farmers’ market that you really like.”
Schuckers said each farmer has to be approved by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to participate in the program. They have to grow at least half of what they sell. Some farmers at a market may be approved and accepting vouchers while others are not.
A list of participating farmers’ markets can be obtained by visiting the website, pafmnp.pa.gov. Older adults can also visit the farmers’ markets and ask.
“If you don’t see a sign that says they accept them, just hold the check up and ask if they accept them. It’s a really great program for anyone 60 or older and for the farmers,” Schuckers said. “Sign them at the stand, not in advance. If you sign them beforehand, anyone can spend them.”
She said the program requires people to be 60 or older as of Dec. 31, 2023, and to meet income guidelines. The maximum income for a household with one person is $26,973. For two people the limit is $36,482. She said people can call the Office of Aging to check on the income guidelines if they have more people in the household.
“Everyone signs a federal document saying they make less than that amount,” she said. “No proof of income is needed or gathered.”
Schuckers said the program starts on June 1, and the vouchers can be used until November 30. “The voucher distribution ends when we run out or on September 30, 2023. First come, first served.”
Teams from the Office of Aging will bring paper applications to residents in senior apartments, including Mount Nittany Residences and Addison Court.
Older adults can call 814-355-6716 or email [email protected] ask for an application to be mailed to them. They can also request the schedule of days and times when the Office of Aging team will be at a nearby facility. Schuckers said the schedule is not finalized yet.
The Office of Aging can answer questions about how to use the voucher checks if mobility issues make going to the farmer’s market difficult. She said if someone can’t get out to the market, they can have someone else sign the check for them. The farmers will show them how to do it correctly.
“The vouchers have to be used at a farmers’ market and not a grocery store,” Schuckers said. Examples include Ways Fruit Farm, Harner Farm, the Amish stand at the Assembly of God Church, the Boalsburg Farmers’ Market, and the Saturday Market at Home Depot.
“It has to be something grown in Pennsylvania,” she said. “You can’t buy a watermelon in June with the vouchers because they can’t grow watermelons in Pennsylvania in June. Blueberries have to be from Pennsylvania and not New Jersey. We’re supporting Pennsylvania farmers.”
Her office will include a list of when each type of produce can be harvested in Pennsylvania, as a buying guide. No processed foods are eligible.
“You can buy fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and cut herbs,” she said. “You can buy the apple but not the apple pie. Herbs have to be edible and not potted herbs.
She said the vouchers are not for meat products. People can stock up on potatoes, sweet potatoes and apples.
“Spend it by November 30, 2023,” she said. “Don’t hold onto it. Spend it and enjoy it. Get those extra things that you enjoy.”
“We do not have the checks yet,” she said. “They may not arrive until very late May. Apply. We’ll send the checks out as quickly as we can. We really want everyone who wants them to get them.”
For more information, contact the Centre County Office of Aging, 814-355-6716 or [email protected].
