Vouchers Make Farmers Market Produce Available

Lititz-area senior citizens may take part in the Lancaster County Office of Aging's Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Through the program, eligible seniors may receive vouchers for unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs from approved farmers markets. The vouchers became available in June on a first-come, first-served basis.

Vouchers for Lititz-area seniors are available at the Lititz Senior Center, which is located in the Lititz United Methodist Church, 201 E. Market St., Lititz. The center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. To be eligible for vouchers, seniors must be at least 60 years of age and a resident of Lancaster County. Certain income requirements must be met, and current identification is required. Seniors living in personal care or nursing homes are not eligible for the vouchers.

Lucy Weaver, manager of the Lititz Senior Center, said that seniors who believe they are eligible may visit the center to complete the necessary paperwork. Persons unable to pick up the vouchers may have a representative pick up vouchers on their behalf, but a completed, signed application form will need to be presented at the time of distribution.

The vouchers are distributed through the Office of Aging in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The vouchers may be used to purchase fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets and roadside stands.

Weaver noted that the vouchers can help area seniors in a number of ways. "They will be able to save their money and use the vouchers to buy local, fresh produce that would otherwise be pricey," she said. Weaver has given out more than 250 vouchers so far. She noted that the vouchers are limited, and they will not be available after she runs out.

A 2022 application is posted at http://www.lancoaging.org. To receive an application by mail or email, contact the Lancaster County Office of Aging at 717-299-7979 or email lititzseniorcenter@dejazzd.com.