Somerville – Starting Thursday, July 5, eligible seniors can obtain $20 worth of vouchers to buy New Jersey fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables and herbs.  These vouchers can be used at participating farmer’s markets in Somerset County until November 30 this year. 

People interested in applying may visit the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services, located in the Human Services Building at 27 Warren Street , between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Vouchers will be given out on a first-come, first served basis, while supplies last.

Eligible individuals must be residents of Somerset County and be at least 60 years old.  Income guidelines require that an individual’s annual income not exceed $20,665 and a married couple’s income not exceed $27,991.

Applicants are requested to show proof of age and residency such as a driver’s license or other documentation.  To be automatically eligible, an applicant can provide a Medicaid or SSI card or show proof of participation in a food stamp program.  Otherwise, individuals will be asked to sign a Self-Declaration of Income Statement, which lists monthly or annual income, address and phone number.  Office on Aging & Disability Services staff will be available to assist residents when they apply for their vouchers.

If seniors are unable to visit the Office on Aging & Disability Services to apply and receive their vouchers, they may send a representative, who is at least 16 years old, has personal identification and the identification items listed above for the eligible senior.  The representative must provide a proxy statement or letter that is signed and dated by the eligible senior, which states that the proxy is authorized to pick up the vouchers.  A proxy form can be obtained in advance by contacting the Office on Aging & Disability Services at 1-888-747-1122.

Participating farm markets include Ripple Hill Farm, Basking Ridge; Bernardsville Farmers Market, Bernardsville; Bound Brook Farmers Market, Bound Brook;  Linda’s Farmers Market, Bridgewater; Black River  Farmers Market, Gladstone; Sunhaven Farms, Hillsborough; Running Free Organic Farm, Hillsborough; Norz-Hill Farm, Hillsborough; Montgomery Farmers Market, Montgomery; Suydam Farms, Somerset; Somerville Farmers Market, Somerville.

For more information, including the closest voucher distribution location, contact the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services toll free at 1-888-747-1122.