Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that registration is now open for income-eligible seniors age 60 and up to participate in the 2015 “Jersey Fresh” Farmers’ Market Program, which provides free vouchers for fresh produce.
“This vital program supports local agriculture while helping to provide access to fresh produce for Union County’s senior residents,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. “The Freeholder Board is proud to support a program that helps seniors on a tight budget enjoy the season’s fresh produce, and reap the benefits of healthy eating.”
The Farmers’ Market Program provides each eligible participant with four free $5 vouchers, for a total of $20, to purchase “Jersey Fresh” fruits, vegetables and herbs at farmers markets throughout Union County.
In order to qualify, a senior’s individual income cannot exceed $21,775 annually. A married couple’s combined income may not exceed $29,471.
Proof of age, residency and income are required in the form of a Medicaid card, SSI card, Food Stamp (now SNAP) verification, or annual pension and Social Security income statement.
To receive an application for obtaining the free vouchers, contact a local senior center or call the Union County Division on Aging toll free at 1-888-280-8226.
Seniors can also pick up an application in person, confirm their eligibility, and obtain their vouchers on the spot at specially designated senior centers during scheduled dates and times.
Sites for this “one-stop” service have been scheduled all throughout Union County during June, July and August. The first three dates and locations are:
Tuesday June 23
Bethel AME Church
245 Hilton Avenue, Vauxhall
9:00 am – 11:00 am
Wednesday June 24
Hillside Senior Center
265 Hollywood Avenue, Hillside
9:30 am – 11:30 am
Thursday June 25
Liberty Square Senior Center
204 Elizabeth Avenue Elizabeth
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Additional dates and locations for one-stop service in July and August in other areas of Union County will be announced shortly.
Only fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown in NJ can be purchased with the vouchers. They can only be used at markets displaying the yellow and black WIC Farmers’ Market Poster.
The following farmers’ markets in Union County accept Jersey Fresh vouchers:
Cranford
Dreyer Farms, 831 Springfield Avenue
April to November
Monday – Saturday8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Ave. Farmers’ Market, Union Square (between Elizabeth and High)
June 9 to November 24
Tuesdays, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
New Providence
Presbyterian Church, 1307 Springfield Avenue
June 10 to October 28
Wednesdays, 12:00 noon – 6:00 pm
Plainfield
Watchung and East 6th St. (across from City Hall)
June 10 to Nov. 24,
Mondays and Thursdays, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Rahway
Rahway Farmers’ Market, NJ Transit Train Station Plaza
40 E. Milton and Irving
May 21 to November 19
Thursdays, 12:00 noon – 6:00 pm
Roselle Park
Roselle Park Farmers’ Market, Chestnut Street and E. Grant Avenue
July 2 to October 29
Wednesdays, 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Scotch Plains
Scotch Plains Farmers’ Market, Municipal Parking Lot (Park Avenue)
May to November
Saturdays, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Springfield
Dayton High School parking lot, 139 Mountain Avenue
Ruby Field (Caldwell Place)
July 6 to October 26
Mondays, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Summit
Park & Shop Lot #2 (Maple Street and DeForest Avenue)
May 10 to November 22
Sunday, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Union
Liberty Hall Farmers’ Market, 1003 Morris Avenue (Kean University)
May 8 to October 30
Thursdays, 12:00 noon – 6:00 pm
Westfield
NJ Transit Railroad Station (South Avenue Parking Lot)
July 5 to October 25
Saturdays, 8:30 am – 2:00 pm
Vouchers must be used by the end of November 2015.
For more information about the Farmer Market nutrition program, or any services provided by the Union County Department of Human Services, Division of Aging and Disability Resource Connection, call toll free 1-888-or visit the County website, ucnj.org.
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