Farmers market vouchers are now available in Centre County. Here are some changes to know about

The Centre County Office of Aging is once again distributing the farmers market vouchers to eligible Centre County residents.

Due to COVID-19, there is a different procedure for 2020. All applications must be processed through the mail. There will not be any in-person distribution of vouchers this year.

Remaining the same as past years, participants must be 60 or over by Dec. 31, meet the income guidelines and be a resident of Centre County. Income is self-declared; no documentation is needed, but requires a signature on the federal form verifying gross income guidelines are met.

Income guidelines

One person: $23,606

Two people: $31,894

To receive the application to begin the process to receive the vouchers by mail, please do one of the following:

1. Call the Office of Aging at 355-6716

2. Email the Office of Aging at aging@centrecountypa.gov

3. Go to www.supportccscc.org to find the updated application

Once the application has been completed, mail it to:

FMV c/o Centre County Office of Aging

420 Holmes St., Room 245

Bellefonte, PA 16823

The form can also be faxed to the Office of Aging at 355-6757 or emailed.

This year, there is an increase in the amount each person receives through the program. Each eligible person receives four $6 checks for a total of $24 once each year. The checks are for purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables that are grown in Pennsylvania. Checks must be spent at a participating vendor at a farmers market. They can’t be spent in a grocery store. To find a farmers market or farm stand with eligible farmers please download the FMNP app. The PA FMNP app is available in the Google Play store and the Apple Store for free. Search for PA FMNP farmers market locator and download the app.

Or go to www.pafmnp.org to search the online farmers market and farm stand database.

New for 2020, the recommendation is to sign the vouchers before visiting the farmers market or that you bring your own pen to sign at the market. Farmers will not have pens at their stands.

This is a first-come, first-served program.

As in past years of the program, the first day to spend the farmers’ market vouchers is June 1 and all vouchers must be spent by Nov. 30.

For more information or with questions, please call 355-6716 or email aging@centrecountypa.gov

This story was originally published June 23, 2020 at 7:00 AM.