Senate News Update
From Senator Jane Earll
July 5, 2005

Enjoy Produce Fresh From Pennsylvania Farms!

Agriculture is Pennsylvania's number-one industry. Pennsylvania has the third highest percentage of people over age 60.

These two facts may not seem to be related, but they come together in the Farmers Market Nutrition Program. The program provides vouchers to seniors that can be used to purchase fresh produce at participating Pennsylvania farmer's markets and roadside stands this summer and fall.

The Farmers Market Nutrition Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but for several years, the program has also received extra funding in Pennsylvania from the state Agriculture Department. The program provides packets of food vouchers to income-qualifying seniors, as well as participants in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program.

To be eligible for the vouchers, seniors must be age 60 or older and have a household income of less than $17,705 if single, or less than $23,736 if married. Eligible seniors can receive a packet of four $5 coupons, which may be redeemed at any participating farmer's market vendor or roadside stand starting June 1st. The vouchers may be redeemed through November 30th (the peak growing season in Pennsylvania).

Statewide, there are over 825 participating farmers at 469 farm stands and 156 farmers markets. Participants in the past have already redeemed nearly $5 million in vouchers.

Vouchers cannot be used for any processed foods such as jams, honey, nuts, cider or baked goods.  The program does not include citrus or tropical fruits, such as bananas, oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, tangerines, pineapple or mangos.  Only crops grown in Pennsylvania are eligible.

Along with the vouchers, the packet also contains information about healthy eating in general; how to choose, store and prepare the fresh produce available at Pennsylvania farmer's markets and roadside stands; and a helpful list of the region's farmer's markets, their location, and hours of operation.

The Farmers Market Nutrition Program has several purposes, assisting both seniors and farmers.

The primary purpose is to provide fresh, nutritious, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs from farmer's markets, roadside stands and community supported agriculture programs to low-income seniors. Another goal is to increase the amount of Pennsylvania produce sold and consumed right her in the Commonwealth. This will help develop additional farmer's markets, roadside stands, and other agriculture programs.

Eligible residents should contact the Greater Erie Community Action Center (GECAC) at (800) 769-2436 for further information, including locations, dates and times of check distribution.  Those interested in enrolling as a participating farm, farmers market, or roadside stand should visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us and click on "Producers." 

It's a great way to support seniors and farmers, two proud and vibrant segments of Pennsylvania heritage.

As always, if you have any questions on any state government matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office directly at (814) 453-2515.