Two South Jersey counties have $50 farmers-market vouchers for seniors

Food voucher programs are available to eligible for seniors who like their produce from farms and farm markets in Burlington and Camden counties.

Each county is offering $50 vouchers to county residents 60 and older, and who have limited annual incomes.

For instances, the income limit is $27,861 for a single person or $37,914 for a couple. The limit is higher for seniors with dependents.

“Last year, more than 830 seniors received vouchers that were redeemable for $41,600 worth of purchases at local farmers markets," said Burlington County Commissioner Felicia Hopson.

She said more than 350 vouchers have been distributed this year, "but we know there are many more seniors who can benefit from this resource."

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Fifteen farms and farmers markets are participating in Burlington County's program. They include Cranberry Hall Farm, a regular vendor at the county's farmers market held Saturdays at 500 Centerton Road, Moorestown.

A list of markets and farms taking part is online at https://co.burlington.nj.us/434/Aging.

Call the Burlington Office on Aging at 609-702-7055 or email bwestmoreland@co.burlington.nj.us for an application, and make an appointment to receive your vouchers.

Camden County's Division of Senior Services can be reached for information at 856-858-3220. The following markets participate in the Camden program: Collingswood Farmers Market; Free Haven Farms; Haddonfield Farmers Market; Pastore Orchards Inc.; Springdale Farms; and Stella Farms.

“Everyone deserves equal access to healthy foods, and we know that these vouchers will be put to good use,” Camden Commissioner Virginia Betteridge said,

The vouchers are available through a collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the New Jersey Department of Health.

Joe Smith is a N.E. Philly native transplanted to South Jersey 36 years ago, keeping an eye now on government in South Jersey. He is a former editor and current senior staff writer for The Daily Journal in Vineland, Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, and the Burlington County Times.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Counties help seniors with farm market vouchers