Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Low income Atlantic County residents, age 60 years and older, are encouraged to take advantage of the state’s farm market produce voucher program coordinated through the Atlantic County Division of Intergenerational Services. The annual program provides an opportunity to purchase locally grown produce using $20 worth of free vouchers. The vouchers may be used at participating farm markets July through October.
The Atlantic County Division of Intergenerational Services has received 1,000 vouchers from the United States Department of Agriculture which will be distributed on a first-come, first- served basis at the county’s senior centers and several senior housing complexes.
The state requires the county to target low-income senior citizens for participation. Residents must be 60 years or older with an annual income that does not exceed $1,832/month or $21,984 annually for one person or $2,470/month or $29,640 annually for a couple.
Eligible participants will receive four, $5 vouchers per person to purchase locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs from participating farm markets. Customers may spend one voucher at a time, but will not receive change if they do not use the whole value of a voucher. Participants may go to any site to receive vouchers and may call ahead for details. A list of participating farmers’ markets is available at: www.aclink.org/intergenerational.
No vouchers will be issued without proof of income which may include a Social Security statement, income tax return, bank statement, or a valid 2016 letter of government assistance, such as energy assistance or food stamps.
Please note that Medicaid cards will no longer be accepted as proof of income. Proof of identification and residency as verified by a driver’s license, utility bill, bank statement, senior ID card, or posted mail is also required. Recipients must also present proof of age.
Vouchers will be distributed to eligible residents at area locations between July 12 and August 12. Visit www.aclink.org/intergenerational for locations and times.