Farmers’ Market Program Helps Seniors Purchase Fresh Produce

Allegheny County Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging will administer the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. 

This program assists eligible older adults in purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables by providing a set of four checks for a total of $20. The checks can be spent throughout the summer on produce at participating farmers’ markets. 

To be eligible for the checks you must: be an Allegheny County resident; be age 60 or older before December 31, 2013; not live in a residential facility providing meals; and meet income requirements ($21,257 annual gross income for a one-person household and $28,694 for a two-person household). 

This year, the checks will be distributed on Tuesday, June 18 through the AAA senior center network.  

“The county-sponsored senior centers encourage older adults to participate in this program,” said Joseph Barker, independent services bureau chief. “Many centers organize trips to local farmers’ markets and others arrange for farmers to set up market stands on a regularly-scheduled basis at the centers.” 

Those who are eligible but unable to get to a senior center may designate a proxy to pick up and redeem the checks. To access distribution sites, proxy forms, locations of farmers’ markets and other information about the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, please visit www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/olderadults. Information is also available by calling the SeniorLine at 412-350-5460.