Erie County Times

Members of the Wolf administration are reminding Pennsylvania’s low-income seniors and people in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program to get their vouchers and use them for fresh fruit and vegetables at approved farmers markets and farm stands across the state.

Officials were at the PA Open Air Farmers Market at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg June 21 and said that from June through September, WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (FMNP) will offer four vouchers of $6 that can be used for vegetables, fruits, and herbs, according to a press release. They are given to participants from WIC Clinics and Area Agencies on Aging. The vouchers can be redeemed until Nov. 30.

"Many older Pennsylvanians live on fixed incomes,” said Secretary of Aging, Robert Torres. “With the increasing costs of food and other necessities, these farmers market vouchers help support seniors by providing them with access to fresh, nutritious foods that are beneficial for their health and well-being. I encourage eligible seniors who have not yet received their free farmers market vouchers to contact their local Area Agency on Aging for assistance they may require to obtain them.”

Eligible seniors must be 60 years old by Dec. 31 and have an income not exceeding 185% of the federal poverty level, or $25,142 for a single person and $33,874 per year for a two-person household, according to the release. Those interested can apply through their local Senior FMNP agency.

Women and children that are between six months and four years old that are in WIC are eligible for the vouchers, the release stated. They can obtain them by contacting their local WIC agency.

"We know that providing access to healthy, affordable food is essential to help families across Pennsylvania," Acting Secretary of Health and Physician General, Dr. Denise Johnson, said in the release. "The WIC program provides Pennsylvanians the opportunity to learn, develop and form healthy eating habits that can have life-long benefits. This program is one example of how the work of local farmers and available resources provides families with access to fresh fruits, vegetables and other food that promote healthy lifestyles."

The Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Services awarded the Department of Human Services a grant for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. The grants are intended to support the Pennsylvania agriculture economy. Market owners who are interested in becoming an authorized SNAP retailer can find more information on the FNS website.

"By taking advantage of the opportunity for free EBT equipment to accept SNAP, farmers markets can offer a new avenue for Pennsylvanians who rely on SNAP to spend their benefits on fresh, nutritious food," said DHS Deputy Executive Secretary, Andrew Barnes. “By helping Pennsylvanians keep food on the table, we are supporting local food retailers and producers, easing demand on charitable food systems, and, most importantly, helping people achieve a better quality of life that they deserve.”

Vouchers redeemed through the program benefit local farmers to the tune of more than $3 million each year, according to the release.

"The Farmers Market Nutrition Program supports the health and wellbeing of seniors and families and helps facilitate even more connections and conversations between local farmers and communities, bringing neighbors together for nourishment," said Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary, Russell Redding. "I encourage everyone with program vouchers to use them to pick up some local food and know that you're supporting a local farm family when you do.”