Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program through the Department of Agriculture, Erie County residents 60 years of age and older may be eligible to receive vouchers totaling $20 to purchase fruits and vegetables from Farmer’s Market Stands. Senior FMNP is operated by the Senior Center Service component. FMNP offers four $5 vouchers to be utilized at any of the 52 local participant vendors. The program runs from June through September.  2012 voucher distribution will take place at one day events between June 11th and June 28th, 2012.

Participation Requirements:

• Attend the appropriate one day distribution event for your zip code (see table below)
• Bring the following to the event:
  • Proof of age
  • Proof of residency, such as
    • Drivers license/PA ID
    • Birth Certificate
    • Current utility bill or other official mailing with address

Proxies

Seniors may appoint someone else (Proxy) to pick-up their vouchers for them. A Proxy Form must be completed in full and signed and brought to the distribution site. The form may be downloaded from this website or picked up at GECAC. Proof of age and address for the senior must be presented by the proxy, as well, the proxy  will need to show their own ID. Proxy forms may be picked up at any of the GECAC Senior Centers,at our Main GECAC Office, or, they may be mailed upon request. Proxy's may not proxy for more than four seniors.

Farmers Market Proxy Form (8 KB)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Vouchers may be received only one time in a program year and are available only while supplies last.
• Couples that meet all of the eligibility criteria are each eligible to receive $20 in vouchers.
• Eligible recipients receive four $5 vouchers (checks) to be used only at approved Farmer's Market stands for the purchase of Pennsylvania produce.
• Only Pennsylvania grown, or growable, produce may be purchased. For example, bananas, oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, tangerines, pineapples, and mangoes are not grown in PA so they are not allowed to be purchased with SFMNP vouchers.
• A list of approved area Farmer's Market stands where vouchers are accepted will be distributed along with the vouchers at the time of pick up or may be downloaded here:  

  2012 Farmers Market Locations (21 KB)

• Consumers living in care facilities where they pay room and board (including meals) are not eligible to receive vouchers.
• Only consumers born on or before 12/31/1952 are age eligible.