PCA Offers Farmers’ Market Produce Vouchers to Low-Income Older Philadelphians

Starting July 12, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) will distribute Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program produce vouchers as part of an annual program to encourage seniors to include fresh fruits and vegetables in their diet. Eligible seniors who live in Philadelphia can receive the $20 worth of vouchers for use at certified Farmers’ Markets throughout Philadelphia. The program also increases awareness of sources of fresh produce in local communities.

Philadelphia seniors age 60 and over by December 31, 2010 and who are income-eligible may receive the vouchers at PCA’s main office at 642 North Broad Street (9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays) and at other designated sites. Proof of age and residency are required. 

Currently, no word has been received from the U.S. Department of Agriculture of any changes to income eligibility levels. According to Helen Cooke, PCA assistant director for health and nutrition services, PCA will follow the guidelines issued last year, which are based on total 2008household income, pending notice of any change:

1 person:   $20,036*

2 people:   $26,955*

3 people:   $33,874*

4  people:  $40,793*

*subject to change

Information on voucher distribution sites will be available from the PCA Helpline, 215-765-9040, starting July 12.

The vouchers, made available through funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and must be used before November 30, 2010.

According to Cooke, five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day provide important vitamins, minerals, and fiber that may help decrease the risk of chronic disease. 

In 2009, nearly 36,000 older Philadelphians took advantage of the free vouchers to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from certified vendors that grow food in Pennsylvania.