From staff reports
The Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program for senior citizens will be available through the Clarion Area Agency on Aging. The program, funded under the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture provides eligible participants with $20 worth of vouchers to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at farmer’s markets.
Nutritionists recommend eating five or more servings of fruit and vegetables every day. Good nutrition is a critical factor in the health and well-being of senior citizens.
Those wanting to receive farmer’s market vouchers must provide proof of age and residency.
Consumers will receive a list of eligible farmer’s markets with their vouchers. Distribution sites and dates for vouchers are:
9 a.m.-noon, June 3, New Bethlehem Senior Center
9 a.m.-noon, June 10, Rimersburg Senior Center
9 a.m.-noon, June 11, Knox Senior Center
9 a.m.-noon, June 19, Rimersburg Senior Center
1-3 p.m. June 19, Allegheny Hills, East Brady
9 a.m.-noon, June 26, Leeper Senior Center
Seniors are asked to try to visit one of these sites to pick up their vouchers. Each eligible person will receive four vouchers worth $5 each, which can be used to purchase produce grown in Pennsylvania or produce which was purchased directly from a farmer in a neighboring state, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio or West Virginia.
The vouchers can be used through the end of November.
Senior citizens who are homebound will need to fill out a preprinted proxy form to send with their proxy. There are no exceptions. These forms will be available at the Area Agency on Aging and the distribution sites prior to the distribution dates.
The proxy may only sign for no more than four consumers. Care managers from the Area Agency on Aging office will also be contacting homebound residents.
For more information about the program, contact the Area Agency on Aging office at (814) 226-4640.