Burlington County is distributing free $40 farmers market vouchers to eligible senior citizens for the purchase of nutritious, fresh produce.
The Burlington County Department of Human Services Office on Aging is accepting applications from seniors for this year’s Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Qualifying applicants will immediately receive a QR code voucher redeemable for fresh produce and herbs sold at any of 16 participating Burlington County farms and farmers markets.
Last year, more than 900 Burlington County seniors received vouchers.
“Many Burlington County senior citizens on fixed income are acutely impacted by rising food prices and expenses that make it difficult for them to obtain quality, nutritious foods,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson, the liaison to the Department of Human Services and Office on Aging. “The Senior Farmers Market Vouchers program provides eligible seniors with a path to obtaining fresh, nutritious produce locally sourced from Burlington County farms. It’s a great program that helps seniors in need.”
To be eligible for vouchers, seniors must be 60 or older, reside in Burlington County and have annual income less than $28,953 for a single and $39,128 for a married couple.
Applications for the program are available from the Burington County Office on Aging. To request an application, call 609-265-5069 or email bwestmoreland@co.burlington.nj.us. Please call to make an appointment to receive your vouchers.
Vouchers are distributed using a QR code accessible from smart phones and other electronic devices. The QR code can be scanned by a participating vendor from an electronic device. The QR code can also be printed out and brought to a participating vendor to scan and redeem.
Sixteen Burlington County farms and farmers markets are participating in the program this year and will accept the vouchers as payment. Among those participating are the Cookstown-based Cranberry Hall Farm and Chesterfield’s Fernbrook Farms. Both are regular vendors at the Burlington County Farmers Market held each Saturday at the Burlington County Agricultural Center, 500 Centerton Road, Moorestown.
Other farms participating include Chesterfield-based Hlubik Farms, which sells at the Bordentown City Farmers Market on Sunday mornings at the Carslake Community Center, and Pemberton’s Lone Wolf Farmers Market, which sells at the Rancocas Woods Farmers Market in Mount Laurel on Sunday mornings.
A complete list of participating market vendors is available at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/434/Aging .
Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel said the farmers market vouchers program continues to be a standout initiative to aid local seniors and farmers.
“Every Burlington County resident deserves to have access to fresh, nutritious foods and these vouchers are a great resource for senior residents with limited incomes,” said Commissioner Eckel. “Redeeming the vouchers help seniors remain healthy. The vouchers also help create a larger market for participating farms. It’s an exemplary program and we want to encourage eligible seniors to take advantage of it.”
New Jersey Assemblywoman Andrea Katz also applauded the voucher program, describing it as a resource for seniors and a boost for participating farms and farmers.
“No one, regardless of their age or circumstances, should have to stress over nutritious food supplies,” said Assemblywoman Katz. “This program is a model of success in reaching lower-income seniors who need a little help. Burlington County farms produce some of the best produce around and the vouchers make it easier for eligible seniors to access it.”