Funds are still available for the annual farm market fresh produce program run by Mercer County, County Executive Brian M. Hughes announced on Friday.
Through the program, older adults in Mercer County can receive checks that will enable them to purchase locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farm stands.
Representatives from the Mercer County Nutrition Office will offer the checks on Thursday, Sept. 8, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Extension Services Building, 930 Spruce St. in Trenton. Eligible senior citizens will receive checks to redeem fresh produce at various vendor sites throughout the county. Each person will receive five $5 checks that total $25 and are valid until Nov. 30, 2016.
Checks will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
“The Farmer’s Market Check Program offers older adults an increased opportunity to include a nutritious choice to their eating habits. It also helps the older adult who may be struggling financially to get the most for their money,” said Mr. Hughes.
The Farmers Market program was developed to provide low-income seniors with checks they can use to purchase fresh produce grown by New Jersey farmers. The Mercer County Nutrition Program is the lead agency and coordinator in Mercer County for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, and has been for a number of years.
Qualifications are as follows: a single person’s income must not exceed $21,978 per year or $1,832 monthly; a couple’s income must not exceed $29,637 per year or $2,470 monthly. For additional information, contact Mercer County at 609 989-6652.
Documentation is required for certification that includes:
• Identity and residency proof: Driver’s license, utility/phone bill or birth certificate.
• Income proof : Current income tax return, Social Security statement, or Medicare or Food Stamp Program card.
The Mercer County Nutrition Project reminds seniors of these guidelines:
• You must be 60 years old to receive checks.
• You must provide proof of income or self-declare your gross income to meet the income guidelines.
• You may not pick up checks for anyone other than yourself, unless you are serving as a proxy.
• Checks are to be signed in front of the farmers. Do not send signed checks to the market with a friend. The farmer has the right to refuse to honor them.
• Checks may be used only at certified farm stands — not grocery stores. Stands will display a yellow poster indicating that they accept these checks.
• Only one set of checks per person will be awarded each year. Couples can each receive their own set of checks.
