Burlington County is distributing free, $40 farmers market vouchers to eligible senior citizens in the Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program.
The county’s Department of Human Services Office on Aging is now accepting applications from seniors. Qualifyers will immediately receive a QR code voucher redeemable for market products at any of 20 participating county farms and farmer’s markets.
Last year, 960 county seniors got vouchers.
“We’ve heard from many senior citizens on fixed incomes who are struggling because of rising food prices and other expenses that make it difficult for them to obtain quality, nutritious foods,” said County Commissioner Randy Brolo, liaison to the Department of Human Services.
“The senior (voucher) program provides eligible seniors with a path to obtaining fresh, nutritious produce locally sourced from Burlington County farms. It’s a great program that helps seniors in need as well as the local farms.”
To be eligible, seniors must be 60 or older, reside in Burlington County and have an annual income less than $29,526 for a single person and $40,034 for a married couple. Applications are available from the county Office on Aging. To request one, call (609) 265-5069 or email bwestmoreland@co.burlington.nj.us.
Vouchers are distributed using a QR code accessible from smart phones and other electronic devices. The can be scanned by a participating vendor from an electronic device and can also be printed out and brought to a participating vendor to scan and redeem.
Twenty county farms and farmer’s markets are now participating in the program and accepting vouchers as payment. Among them are four new vendors:
- – Browning Hess Farm Market, 824 Lenola Road, Moorestown
- – Rancocas Creek Farm, 11 Pemberton Road, Southampton
- – Summer Wind Farm at the Dutch Wagon Amish Farmer’s Market, 109 Route 70, Medford
- – Village Farmers Market, 150 East 2nd St./200 East Federal St., Burlington
A complete list of participating market vendors is available at www.co.burlington.nj.us/434/aging.
