Burlington County is distributing free $40 farmers market vouchers to eligible senior citizens for the purchase of nutritious, fresh produce, according to a June 3 announcement. The Burlington County Department of Human Services Office on Aging is accepting applications from seniors for this year’s Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Qualifying applicants will immediately receive a QR code voucher redeemable at any of 20 participating Burlington County farms and farmers markets.
Last year, 960 Burlington County seniors received vouchers through the program. “We’ve heard from many senior citizens on fixed incomes who are struggling because of rising food prices and other expenses that make it difficult for them to obtain quality, nutritious foods,” said Burlington County Commissioner Randy Brolo, liaison to the Department of Human Services. “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 as well as the local farms.”
To be eligible for the program, applicants must be age 60 or older, reside in Burlington County and have an annual income less than $29,526 for individuals or $40,034 for married couples. Applications can be requested by calling 609-265-5069 or emailing bwestmoreland@co.burlington.nj.us.
Vouchers are distributed using a QR code accessible via smartphones and other electronic devices; they may also be printed out and presented at participating vendors. Among this year’s new participants are Browning Hess Farm Market in Moorestown; Rancocas Creek Farm in Southampton; Summer Wind Farm at the Dutch Wagon Amish Farmers Market in Medford; and Village Farmers Market in Burlington. Returning vendors include Cranberry Hall Farm and Fernbrook Farms—both regulars at the county’s Saturday market—as well as Hlubik Farms (Chesterfield), Lone Wolf Farmers Market (Pemberton), and Cheyenne’s Road Market (Marlton). A complete list is available online.
Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel said both residents and local agriculture benefit from the initiative: “Every Burlington County resident deserves to have access to fresh, nutritious foods and these vouchers help senior residents with limited incomes afford locally-grown produce,” Eckel said. “Redeeming the vouchers helps seniors remain healthy. The vouchers also help expand the market for participating farms. It’s an exemplary program and we want to encourage eligible seniors to take advantage of it.”
Burlington County encompasses 827 square miles as New Jersey’s largest county by area; it includes three cities among its forty political subdivisions under a Board of Commissioners comprising five members, according to the official website.
