HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Dauphin County Commissioners and the county's Area Agency on Aging announced they are once again partnering with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to offer vouchers to those 60 and over who are income-eligible.
The $50 vouchers can be used at local farmers markets in Pennsylvania this summer, the commissioners said.
"If a senior’s annual income is at or below $27,861 for one person, or at or below $37,814, for seniors with two or more in their household, they can receive $50 in the form of five $10 vouchers," authorities said in a press release. "Because farmers markets cannot give change for each voucher, seniors are encouraged to buy at least $10 worth of fresh foods with each voucher purchase."
Vouchers can be used only for fruits and vegetables grown in Pennsylvania. Thus, bananas, oranges, grapefruits, mangoes and pineapples are among those items excluded from the vouchers, the commissioners said.
The vouchers also cannot be used at grocery stores and supermarkets — only farmers’ markets -- nor can they be used for honey, nuts, jams, cider or baked goods, according to the commissioners.
Items such as corn on the cob, peppers, potatoes, green beans, carrots and tomatoes are eligible.
Seniors are reminded that the process to acquire vouchers has changed from prior years.
Those interested in obtaining vouchers are asked to complete a short application and mail or email it to the county Area Agency on Aging.
Applications are available here or by calling (717) 780-6209.
When approved, vouchers will be mailed to applicants for use beginning June 1.
