Eligible Seniors Can Receive Free Produce Through The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

(Newton, NJ) The Sussex County Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Senior Services is pleased to announce the availability of the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program for 2017. The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides individuals who are 60+ and who meet the financial eligibility with $25.00 worth of vouchers to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farm stands in New Jersey. There are many local, community farms that participate in the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program and each qualified individual will receive a complete list of the farm stands with their voucher package.

To currently meet eligibility, a senior's income cannot exceed $22,311 annually if single, or $30,044 if married, and they must be a Sussex County resident. Effective July 1, 2017, new income limits were implemented. In order to complete an application, seniors must provide proof of income and residency. Seniors can no longer self-declare their income in order to receive the vouchers, proof of income is mandatory. A driver license or utility/phone bills are acceptable proof of residency. A 2016 income tax return, social security statement, valid Medicaid card, valid food stamp verification, or bank statement are acceptable means to verify income eligibility. Please note that the PAAD card is no longer acceptable as proof of eligibility. Vouchers can be picked-up at the Sussex County Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Senior Services, One Spring Street - 2nd Floor, Newton, NJ, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. In addition, vouchers will be distributed at numerous sites as indicated below. Seniors are welcome to apply and pick-up their vouchers at any of these sites.

The Sussex County Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Senior Services, encourages all eligible seniors to participate in this program. If you do not have the ability to visit one of the distribution sites or our office, homebound seniors who qualify may receive vouchers through a proxy. For additional information about the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, the eligibility requirements or proxy requirements, please contact the Sussex County Division of Senior Services at 973-579-0555, ext. 1221 or via e-mail at seniorservices@sussex.nj.us.