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Freeholder Board Announces Launch of Free Farmers’ Market Vouchers for Seniors

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the annual Farmers’ Market voucher program for seniors will begin again this summer. Starting on June 25, income eligible adults age 60 and up can receive a total of $25 in free vouchers to purchase fresh produce at designated Farmers’ Markets throughout Union County.

The total of $25 is provided in $5 increments, so that seniors can spread out their purchases to ensure freshness.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to support the voucher program, which helps seniors on a budget enjoy the health benefits of fresh produce,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “By encouraging seniors to engage with local New Jersey farmers, the program also creates new opportunities for seniors to connect with their community.”

Eligible Union County adults can apply for the vouchers by visiting any of the designated distribution sites scheduled during June and July on the list below, or by calling the Union County Department of Human Services, Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection toll free at 888-280-8226.

The vouchers may be used at any Farmers’ Market in Union County that displays the yellow and black WIC poster. As a convenience, farmers offering produce for sale will also be present at several of the voucher distribution sites.

A limited number of vouchers are available and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

To be eligible, a single person’s annual income cannot exceed $22,459 and a married couple’s combined income may not exceed $30,451. Proof of age, residency and income are required at the time of application.

A Medicaid card, SSI, SNAP, annual pension, or Social Security statement may serve as proof of eligibility. Proxies applying on another person’s behalf must present proof of eligibility for that person.

Any eligible Union County resident can apply for a voucher at any of the following distribution sites in June and July:

 

Monday, June 25

Liberty Square Senior Center

240 Elizabeth Avenue, Elizabeth

Vouchers 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

 

Wednesday July 2

Casano Community Center

314 Chestnut Street, Roselle Park

Vouchers 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

 

Wednesday, July 11

Golden Age Towers

200-220 East Milton Avenue, Rahway

Vouchers 10:00 am to 12:00 Noon

Farmer will be at this site

 

Monday, July 16

Ann Ferguson Towers

1601 Dill Avenue, Linden

Vouchers 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 am

Farmer will be at this site

 

Thursday, July 19

Peterstown Community Center

408 Palmer Street, Elizabeth

Vouchers 9:00 am to 11:00 am

 

Monday, July 23

O’Donnell-Dempsey Senior Center

622 Salem Avenue, Elizabeth

Vouchers 9:00 am to 11:00 am

Farmer will be at this site

 

Wednesday, July 25

Plainfield Senior Center

400 East Front Street, Plainfield

Vouchers 10:00 am to 12 noon

Farmer will be at this site

As part of Chairman Granados’s 2018 Moving Union County Forward “Plant a Seed” initiative, the Freeholder Board has also continued funding for the Union County Means Green community garden grant program. The program provides grants to build and improve community vegetable gardens, including gardens for seniors. Twenty-seven garden projects received funding this year.

“The grant program helps to improve access to nutritious, fresh produce for seniors, while also providing an opportunity to expand their social, educational and recreational activities,” said Chairman Granados. Chairman Granados also launched the Union County Kids Dig In grant program to provide funding for gardens at schools in 2017. This year the program funded gardens at 81 schools.

For more information about the Farmers’ Market program or any other services provided by the Union County Department of Human Services, Division of Aging and Disability Resource call 888-280-8226 or 877-222-3737, or visit online at ucnj.org.

 

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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