FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 20, 2007

CONTACT: Fran Benson, (908) 527-4867
Tom Plante, (908) 527-4746

Farmers’ Market Vouchers Are Available
in August for Eligible Seniors in Union County

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is participating in the Farmers’ Market Program that offers vouchers to eligible senior adults to purchase “Jersey Fresh” fruits, vegetables and herbs. Senior citizens who qualify will receive four vouchers worth $5 each for a total of $20 for the season ending in November. Vouchers are accepted at any farmer’s market displaying the “WIC” sign.

“We are pleased to offer this nutritional assistance program to eligible seniors throughout Union County,” said Freeholder Chairwoman Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Farmers’ Market vouchers will enable seniors to enjoy locally grown, fresh produce such as blueberries, peaches and tomatoes that all of us associate with summertime in New Jersey.”

Vouchers will be distributed during the month of August through the Union County Department of Human Services, Division on Aging, whose staff, including bilingual staff, will assist seniors when they apply for the produce vouchers. To be eligible, an individual must be a resident of Union County, age 60 or older. Income guidelines require an individual’s annual income not to exceed $18,889 and a married couple’s annual income not to exceed $25,327. In addition, proof of income must be presented in the form of a Medicaid card, SSI card, Food Stamp verification, or annual pension or Social Security statement.

Farmers Market Vouchers will be available at the following locations during August (farmers will not be present):

August 1 – 9:00 a.m.- 12 noon, Rahway Senior Center, 1306 Esterbrook Ave., Rahway.
August 7 – 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Elizabeth Presbyterian Center, First Street & Magnolia Ave., Elizabeth. Bus to Elizabeth Farmers’ Market at 2:00 p.m.
August 9 – 10:00 a.m.-12 noon, Cedarbrook Apartments, 1272 Park Ave., Plainfield.
August 10 – 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Pinewood Hall, 250 West Second Street, Roselle.
August 14 – 1:00-3:00 p.m., Westfield Senior Housing, 1133 Boynton Ave., Community Room, Westfield.
August 21 – 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Mravlag Manor Community Center, Carteret Street, Elizabeth. Bus to Elizabeth Farmers’ Market at 2:00 p.m.

The Farmer’s Market Program is sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and coordinated by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. For further information,
call the Union County Division on Aging at 1-888-280-8226,
or (908) 527-4870 or (908) 527-4872.