Seniors May Qualify For Farm Market Checks

Eligible older citizens in Potter County can qualify for $20 in vouchers that can be used buy fresh fruit and vegetables at area farmers’ markets. Potter County Area Agency on Aging is administering the Pa. Dept. of Agriculture program. Items must be grown in Pennsylvania or purchased directly from a farmer in a neighboring state. Some of the produce that qualifies under the program includes beans, berries, corn, cucumbers, peppers, squash, tomatoes, watermelon, apples, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, grapes, onions, potatoes, pumpkins and zucchini. No citrus fruits or tropical fruits are eligible. Processed foods, such as jam, honey, cider and baked goods are also ineligible.

Income limits for Potter County citizens 60 or older are: single, $20,665; couple, $27,991; three-person household, $35,317; four, $42,643. Proof of income is not required. However, the citizen must sign a register verifying income and show proof of age and address. Those picking up checks for another individual must use a proxy form, available at distribution sites. Seniors who reside in nursing homes, personal care homes or other residential facilities where meals are provided are not eligible. Vendors that are approved for this program display a sign. A list of them can be obtained at check distribution sites.

Senior citizens will be able to sign up at the Ulysses or Oswayo Valley senior centers, Mondays through Wednesdays, from 9 to 1; Coudersport and Galeton senior centers, Wednesdays through Fridays, 9 to 1; or Potter County Human Services in Roulette by calling Barb Kiel at 814-544-7315 or 1-800-800-2560. Other signup locations are Genesee United Methodist Church, on June 12 and July 10, 9 to 11; Harrison Valley Township Building, June 12 and July 10, 1 to 3; and Austin United Methodist Church, June 18 and July 16, 10 to 1.

For more information, contact Barb Kiel at the numbers shown above. (Above, Governor Tom Corbett looks over some of the products on display at the courthouse square farm market booth of Sharon Fitzgerald from Fitzgerald’s Family Farm).