Burlington Review

Burlington County will once again distribute $50 farmers market vouchers to income-eligible local seniors. The Burlington County Office on Aging is now accepting applications from seniors for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Qualifying applicants will immediately receive vouchers that are redeemable for fresh produce sold at 15 participating Burlington County farms and farmers markets.

“For more than a decade, Burlington County has worked with the United States Department of Agriculture and the New Jersey Department of Health to make sure vulnerable seniors can access nutritious fruits and vegetables grown locally at our county’s farms,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “Last year, more than 830 seniors received vouchers that were redeemable for $41,600 worth of purchases at local farmers markets, and we’ve already distributed more than 350 vouchers so far this year. That’s a great start but we know there are many more seniors who can benefit from this resource, so we want to encourage those who are eligible to apply right away.”

To be eligible for the vouchers, seniors must be 60 or older, reside in Burlington County, and have an annual income less than $27,861 for a single or $37,814 for a married couple. Senior families with dependents also have higher income limits.

Applications for the program are available from the Burlington County Office on Aging. To request an application, call 609-702-7055 or email bwestmoreland@co.burlington.nj.us. Please call to make an appointment to receive your vouchers.

Vouchers are distributed using a QR code accessible from smartphones and other electronic devices. The QR code can be scanned by a participating vendor from an electronic device. The QR code can also be printed out and brought to a participating vendor to scan and redeem.

Fifteen Burlington County farms and farmers markets are participating in the program this year and will accept the vouchers as payment. Among those participating is Cookstown-based Cranberry Hall Farm, one of the regular vendors at the Burlington County Farmers Market held each Saturday at the Burlington County Agricultural Center, 500 Centerton Road, Moorestown.

A complete list of participating market vendors is available online at https://co.burlington.nj.us/434/Aging

Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel said the farmers market voucher program continues to be a standout program that aids local seniors and farmers.

“All of us, regardless of our age and circumstances deserve to have access to fresh, nutritious foods and the senior farmers market vouchers offer a great resource for senior residents with limited incomes,” said Eckel. “Redeeming the vouchers helps those vulnerable seniors stay healthy. The vouchers also help create a larger market for participating farms. It’s an exemplary program and we’re grateful for all the farmers and markets that participate.”