Lackawanna County senior citizens will once again be able to participate in the very popular local farmers market voucher program that has been a staple in our community for a number of years.
The Lackawanna County Commissioners Patrick M. O’Malley, Jerry Notarianni and Laureen A. Cummings announced that the County’s Area Agency on Aging, in cooperation with the State Department of Agriculture, will be distributing Farmers Market Nutritional Program vouchers at senior community centers.
Under the program, each eligible senior can receive up to four $5 vouchers that can be redeemed at participating farmers markets and farm stands for fresh fruit and produce. The program is a win-win for both consumers and farmers. It gives senior citizens access to locally grown produce and directs shoppers to area farmers that they generally may not see on a regular basis.
The County has 20,000 vouchers available for distribution.
Those who qualify are Lackawanna County residents who will be 60 or older by December 31, 2016 and whose annual income does not exceed $21,978 for a single person, $29,637 for a couple or $37,296 for a three person household. Proof of age in the form of a driver’s license or birth certificate must be provided along with proof of Lackawanna County residency in the form of a utility bill or a driver’s license.
Vouchers will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, beginning at 9 a.m. at the centers. Seniors who are unable to visit a site may appoint a proxy to pick-up a voucher for them. Proxy forms can be obtained at the Area Agency on Aging, local senior centers or online.
Distribution dates and sites include:
Friday, July 8: Dunmore Senior Center, 1414 Monroe Avenue, Dunmore
Monday, July 11: Mid Valley Senior Center, Green Wave Heritage Apts., 310 Church St., Jessup
Wednesday, July 13: Jewish Community Center, 601 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton
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Any questions? Call the Area Agency on Aging at (570) 963-6740.
