Farmers market vouchers delayed, reduced in Centre County due to federal funding
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Federal funding delays disrupted the distribution of senior farmers market vouchers.
- Centre County will receive only 74% of its originally requested voucher allotment.
- Voucher distribution scheduled for June 2 delayed until further notice.
Farmers market voucher distribution that was scheduled to start next week in Centre County is delayed due to federal funding hold-ups that will also result in fewer vouchers for seniors, the county announced Thursday.
The vouchers are offered annually through the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program run by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and provide income-eligible seniors access to locally grown foods. This year, the program has been affected as federal funding continues to undergo reappropriations.
A memo sent by PDA Bureau of Food Assistance Director Caryn Long Earl detailed the delays, according to the press release.
“The memo identifies that funding for the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program was approved in mid-March of 2025, though there was little additional guidance or timelines regarding the release of funds,” the county’s release reads.
The funding delays mean a delay in voucher deliveries and fewer vouchers available for distribution through each senior agency. Centre County will receive about 74% of the vouchers initially requested, according to the release.
“Centre County Office of Aging remains in close contact with state agencies who are providing updates on funding and voucher distributions,” the release reads.
Distribution of the vouchers was scheduled to start Monday, but that has been “delayed until further notice,” the county wrote. Updates on the program are expected during the board of commissioners meeting at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
Those who have questions about about the voucher program in Centre County can call the Office of Aging at 814-355-6716.