Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
The Issue
Less than one-third of older adults in the United States eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, vital to preventing and treating health problems.Our Impact
In 2023, through the PA Department of Agriculture, the GECAC Area Agency on Aging can distribute $187,500 worth of fruits and vegetables to 3,750 Erie County seniors through the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program.
Overview
The Senior Farmers' Market Voucher Program provides low-income seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for eligible foods (fruits, vegetables, and fresh-cut herbs) at farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture programs.
This program is important for seniors because it provides financial support for access to healthy, fresh produce that may otherwise be difficult to come by or afford. Senior hunger and health complications affect many elderly individuals nationwide. Access to fresh produce can help seniors get the nutrients they need to maintain a healthy diet.
Senior Farmers' Market vouchers are operated by the PA Department of Agriculture and the GECAC Area Agency on Aging facilitates the local application and distribution.
Who is eligible?
- Age 60 and older (or turn 60 by 12/31/2024)
- Resides in Erie County
- Household incomes of not more than 185% of federal poverty guidelines. A Household includes all people living in the residence, regardless of age.
Applications are NOT required. If assigning a proxy or representative to pick up for you, the proxy form is required.
Eligible Seniors may receive vouchers at our designated Community Distribution Events. These events may be accessed below by clicking on the Information link. Distributions in Erie County are through In-person pick-up, either by the recipient or their assigned proxy who presents a Proxy form completed and signed by both parties.
- Seniors may receive vouchers only one time during the 2024 Program Year. This will be verified at the time of pick-up.
- An application is not required as vouchers are received in person. Seniors need only to select the location closest to their residence with a verifiable ID to show their age and address. Proof of income is not needed.
- The Senior may appoint a proxy (family member or trusted person) to pick their vouchers up for them if they are not able to pick them up in person. A completed Proxy Form is required. Please see above for the link to the Proxy Form. Proxies will be asked to show proof of ID for the seniors and themselves. A person may proxy for not more than four eligible seniors.
- If you are unable to print off the Proxy Form, you may call GECAC at (814) 459-4581 and request one be mailed to you. You may also call this number if you have questions about accessing vouchers.
Vouchers will NOT be distributed at:
- Locations outside the designated dates /hours of distribution.
- GECAC's main office.
We will practice safe distancing at these events; We follow all CDC guidance regarding masking
Community Distribution Events / Rules and Procedures
DATES / Locations / Information
Go to www.pafmnp.org to search the online farmers market and farm stand database or download the FMNP app. The PA FMNP app is available in the Google Play store and the Apple Store for free. Search for the PA FMNP farmers market locator and download the app.
Contact the market for changes to operating hours before visiting.
Nutrition Education
Information on basic nutrition, shopping, cooking, and food safety can be found at https://www.nutrition.gov/
My Plate for Older Adults information may be accessed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ku230kQlzqA
*For a Proxy Form in Spanish or another language, please call GECAC at 814-459-4581
*Para un formulario de poder en espanol u otro idioma, llama a GECAC at 814-459-4581
