Senior farmers market vouchers available in Carbon

The Senior Farmers Market Program will be offered again this year to eligible Carbon County Senior Citizens age 60 and over.

This program is made possible through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Food Distribution.

The Carbon County Area Agency on Aging staff will be distributing $20 in vouchers, free to eligible seniors. The purpose is to encourage older adults to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables from local growers who make their produce available at farmers markets throughout Pennsylvania.

To be eligible, you must be a Carbon County resident age 60 or older by Dec. 31; and have a total gross annual income for a single person household at or below $23,107 and $31,284 for a two-person household.

A couple is entitled to $20 in vouchers each.

You must also show your driver’s license or photo ID as proof of residence. The vouchers cannot be mailed.

If you cannot go to the distribution sites, a representative can pick up the vouchers for you as long as the representative brings a completed proxy form signed by you. A proxy form is needed for those picking up for their spouse as well.

Proxy forms are available in advance at all five senior centers and the Area Agency on Aging by calling 800-441-1315.

Vouchers will be distributed from 1 to 3 p.m. on the following days:

• June 10 at Lehighton Senior Center, 243 S. Eighth St., Lehighton

• June 11 at Weatherly Senior Center, 335 Third St., Weatherly

• June 13 at Nesquehoning Fire Company, 953 E. Catawissa St., Nesquehoning

• June 18 at Palmerton Senior Center, 501 Delaware Ave., Palmerton

• June 19 at Jim Thorpe/Penn-Kidder Senior Center, Bear Creek Plaza, Route 903, Jim Thorpe

For those unable to come on these dates, and provided there are vouchers still available, another distribution will take place on June 24 at Lehighton Senior Center.