The Burlington County Office on Aging is holding a special event next week to distribute $50 farmers market vouchers to income-eligible local seniors.
The Farmers Market Voucher Distribution Day will be held on Friday, Aug. 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the county’s human services building.
During the event, seniors will receive assistance with completing applications for the county’s longstanding Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Voucher program and qualifying seniors will receive their vouchers at the event.
State Sen. Troy Singleton said the program provides a helping hand to seniors in need.
“No one, regardless of their age or circumstances, should have to go hungry or stress over food supplies,” Singleton said. “I’m proud to see Burlington County ensure eligible seniors are aware of this program and can use it as a resource.”
To be eligible for the vouchers, seniors must be 60 years or older, residents of Burlington County and have an annual income less than $26,973 for a single or $36,482 for a married couple.
Seniors are advised to bring photo ID and proof of income. Staff from the Office on Aging will be present to assist with any questions and vouchers will be distributed immediately to seniors who qualify.
This year, the county is distributing the vouchers with QR codes accessible from smartphones and other electronic devices. The QR codes can be scanned by participating vendors from an electronic device, or they can be printed out and then brought to a participating vendor to redeem.
The voucher amounts are higher this year. Last year, vouchers were redeemable for $30 worth of produce.
More than a dozen county farmers market vendors are accepting the vouchers. The Burlington County Farmers Market, which is held each Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Burlington County Agriculture Center, is accepting vouchers.
A complete list of the market vendors is available online at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/17754/Burlington-County-2023-Senior-Farmers-Market-Participants.