Burlington County holding special event to help seniors obtain free farmers market vouchers
Burlington County holding special event to help seniors obtain free farmers market vouchers
WESTAMPTON – The Burlington County Office on Aging is holding a special event next week to distribute $50 farmers market vouchers to income-eligible local seniors.
The Farmers Market Voucher Distribution Day will be Friday, Aug. 11, from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Burlington County Human Services Building at 795 Woodlane Road in Westampton.
During the event, seniors will receive assistance with completing applications for the County’s longstanding Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Voucher program and qualifying seniors will receive their vouchers at the event.
Last year, more than 840 Burlington County seniors received vouchers.
“For over a decade, Burlington County has worked with the United States Department of Agriculture and the New Jersey Department of Health to make sure our county’s most vulnerable seniors can access nutritious fruits and vegetables grown locally at area farms,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “Our program has been a tremendous success, but we know there are still many seniors living in our county who qualify for vouchers but haven’t received them. This event is designed to make it easy for them to apply for and receive this assistance.”
State Senator Troy Singleton said the program provides a helping hand to seniors in need.
“No one, regardless of their age or circumstances, should have to go hungry or stress over food supplies,” said Senator Singleton. “I’m proud to see Burlington County ensure eligible seniors are aware of this program and can use it as a resource.”
To be eligible for the vouchers, seniors must be 60 years or older, residents of Burlington County and have an annual income less than $26,973 for a single or $36,482 for a married couple.
Seniors are advised to bring photo ID and proof of income. Staff from the Office on Aging will be present to assist with any questions and vouchers will be distributed immediately to seniors who qualify.
This year, the County is distributing the vouchers with QR codes accessible from smartphones and other electronic devices. The QR codes can be scanned by participating vendors from an electronic device, or they can be printed out and then brought to a participating vendor to redeem.
The voucher amounts are higher this year. Last year, vouchers were redeemable for $30 worth of produce.
More than a dozen county farmers market vendors are accepting the vouchers. The Burlington County Farmers Market, which is held each Saturday from 8:30 AM to 1 PM at the Burlington County Agriculture Center, 500 Centerton Road in Moorestown is accepting vouchers.
A complete list of the market vendors is available online at https://www.co.burlington.nj.
Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel said the voucher program is a great example of the County partnering with the local farming community to assist vulnerable residents.
“The vouchers are a great resource for seniors with limited income. It helps them purchase nutritious foods they need to stay healthy and at the same time benefits local farmers by creating a larger market for their farm-fresh goods,” Eckel said. “We encourage any qualifying resident who hasn’t yet obtained vouchers to make arrangements to attend this event and learn more about the farmers market vouchers and some of the other assistance programs our County offers to seniors.”
