Farmers Market Vouchers Available for Older Adults

Somerville – Starting Tuesday, July 5, eligible seniors can obtain $25 worth of vouchers to buy New Jersey fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables and herbs. These free vouchers can be used at participating farmer’s markets in Somerset County until Nov. 30.

People interested in applying can stop by the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services, located at 27 Warren St. , between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Vouchers will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last.

Eligible individuals must be age 60 or above and reside in Somerset County . Income guidelines require that an individual’s income not exceed $21,978 and a married couple’s income not exceed $29,637.

All applicants must show proof of age and residency, such as a driver’s license or other documentation, and proof of income, such as a current tax return or social security statement. Office on Aging & Disability Services staff will be available to assist residents when they are applying for their vouchers.

If seniors are unable to visit the Office on Aging & Disability Services to apply for and receive 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 stands include Ripple Hill Farms, Basking Ridge; Bernardsville Farmers Market, Bernardsville; Bound Brook Farmers Market, Bound Brook; Linda’s Farm Market, Bridgewater; Sunhaven Farms, Hillsborough; Norz-Hill Farm & Market, Hillsborough; Manville Farmers Market, Manville; Montgomery Farmers Market, Montgomery; North Plainfield Farmers Market, North Plainfield; Somerville Farmers Market, Somerville; Farmers Market by Wagner Arboretum, Warren.

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.