MANVILLE: Farmers’ market vouchers available to eligible seniors

County offers $20 to buy local produce, fruits

   Eligible Somerset County seniors, 60 and older, can obtain $20 worth of vouchers to buy fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables and herbs. The free vouchers can be used at participating farmer’s markets in the county until Nov. 30.
   Hillsborough’s Norz-Hill Farm and Sunhaven Farms in Hillsborough, as well as the weekly Manville Farmers Market, will accept the vouchers.
   To apply, people may visit the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services, located at 27 Warren St., Somerville, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Friday. For info, call 1-888-747-1122.
   To be eligible, people must live in the county and be at least 60 years old. Income guidelines require that an individual’s annual income not exceed $21,257, and a married couple’s annual income not exceed $28,694.
   Applicants are requested to show proof of age and residency, such as a driver’s license or other documentation. To be automatically eligible, an applicant can provide a Medicaid or SSI card or show proof of participation in a food stamp program.
   Otherwise, individuals will be asked to sign a Self-Declaration of Income Statement, which lists monthly or annual income, address and phone number. Office staff will assist residents when they apply for vouchers.
   Other participating farm markets include Ripple Hill Farm, Basking Ridge; Linda’s Farm Market, Bridgewater; at the Somerset Medical Center, and street farm markets in Bernardsville, Bound Brook, Montgomery, North Plainfield and Somerville.
   For information, contact the Office on Aging & Disability Services toll free at 1-888-747-1122.