Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
The Issue
Less than one-third of older adults in the United States eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, vital to preventing and treating health problems. Our Impact
In 2026, the GECAC Area Agency on Aging, through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, will provide $71,250 in fresh fruits and vegetables to 2,850 Erie County seniors through the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program.
2026 Overview
The Senior Farmers' Market Voucher Program provides $25 in vouchers to low-income seniors with vouchers that can be exchanged for eligible foods (fruits, vegetables, and fresh-cut herbs) at PA Department of Agriculture-approved farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture programs.
This program is important for seniors because it provides financial support for access to healthy, fresh produce that may otherwise be difficult to come by or afford. Senior hunger and health complications affect many elderly individuals nationwide. Access to fresh produce can help seniors get the nutrients they need to maintain a healthy diet.
Senior Farmers' Market vouchers are funded by the PA Department of Agriculture, and the GECAC Area Agency on Aging facilitates the local distribution.
Who is eligible?
- Age 60 and older (or turn 60 by 12/31/2026)
- Resides in Erie County
- Household incomes of not more than 185% of the federal poverty guidelines. A Household includes all people living in the residence, regardless of age.
2026 Income Guidelines
Erie County distributes in-person. If assigning a proxy or representative to pick up for you, the proxy form is required.
Eligible Seniors may receive vouchers at our designated Community Distribution Events. These events are listed below and may be accessed by clicking on the Information link. Distributions in Erie County are made through in-person pickup, either by the recipient or their assigned proxy, who presents a Proxy form completed and signed by both parties.
- Seniors may receive vouchers only once during the 2026 Program Year. This will be verified at the time of pick-up.
- An application is not required as vouchers are received in person. Seniors need only select the location closest to their residence. They will be asked to present a verifiable ID to show their age and address. Proof of income is not needed.
- The Senior may appoint a proxy (a family member or trusted person) to pick up their vouchers for them if they are unable to do so in person. A completed Proxy Form is required if picking up vouchers for someone. Please see above for the link to the Proxy Form. Proxies will be asked to show proof of ID for the seniors and themselves. A person may proxy for not more than four eligible seniors.
- If you are unable to print the Proxy Form, forms may be picked up at any of the GECAC Senior Centers, or the main office, or, you may call GECAC at (814) 459-4581 and request one be mailed to you. You may also call this number if you have questions about accessing vouchers.
Vouchers will NOT be distributed at:
- Locations outside the designated dates /hours of distribution.
- GECAC's main office.
2026 Community Distribution Events / Rules and Regulations
Go to www.pafmnp.org to search the online farmers market and farm stand database or download the FMNP app. The PA FMNP app is available in the Google Play Store and the Apple Store for free. Search for the PA FMNP farmers market locator and download the app.
Contact the market for changes to operating hours before visiting.
Nutrition Education
Information on basic nutrition, shopping, cooking, and food safety can be found at https://www.nutrition.gov/
My Plate for Older Adults information may be accessed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ku230kQlzqA
*For a Proxy Form in Spanish or another language, please call GECAC at 814-459-4581
*Para un formulario de poder en español u otro idioma, llama a GECAC at 814-459-4581
