Carbon continues farmers market voucher program for seniors

Nutrition can be a problem for senior citizens due to the cost of healthy foods.

Carbon County is continuing a program to help seniors enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, while also supporting the local economy.

On Thursday, the board voted 2-0 to approve an agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the Carbon County Area Agency on Aging for the participation of the 2020 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. A total of $1,500 is available to administer the program. Commissioner Rocky Ahner was absent.

Commissioner Chris Lukasevich said that over 1,500 seniors benefited from this program last year, and vouchers for fresh fruit and vegetables will again be available to qualifying seniors in June.

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides low-income seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for eligible foods at farmers markets, roadside stands and community supported agriculture programs for the purpose to provide nutritious, locally grown items to those in need.

Locally, a few locations that these vouchers may be used include the Blakeslee Flea Market in Blakeslee, Foothill Farm LLC in Lehighton, Graver’s Orchards in Lehighton, the Lehighton Farmers Market, Sernak Farms Country Store in Weatherly and Zeigler Orchards in Lehighton.

Additional information about the program, as well as distribution dates will be announced at a later time.