Burlington County Commissioners are offering senior citizens larger vouchers for fresh fruits and vegetables sold at local farmers markets.
Applications for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Voucher Program are now available to eligible seniors. This year, those who qualify will receive $50 redeemable at participating farmers markets and market vendors, a $20 increase over the amount distributed last year.
“This … helps local farms to keep agriculture in our county strong and viable,” Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson said of the voucher program. “It’s a win-win for seniors and our farmers, and we’re pleased to see the program continue to grow.”
Applications for vouchers are available by calling the county office on aging at (609) 265-5069.
To be eligible, seniors must be 60 or older and residents of the county with an annual income of less than $26,973 ($2,248 a month) for a single person or less than $36,874 ($3,041 a month) for a married couple.
Unlike in past years, when paper vouchers were distributed, this year’s vouchers will be electronic, with QR codes easily accessible from smartphones or other electronic devices. The codes can also be printed for vendors to scan and redeem.
More than a dozen county farm market vendors will accept the vouchers this year. Among them is the market held each Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Burlington County Agricultural Center in Moorestown.