Boyertown Area Multi-Service announces Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides eligible seniors with resources in the form of fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs from approved farmers’ markets in Pennsylvania. The purpose of the SFMNP is to increase the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables with low income seniors and to expand sales at farmer’s markets.

Farmers’ Market Checks will be available starting Thursday June 1, 2017 for Berks and Montgomery County seniors age 60 and older who meet the income eligibility guidelines. Checks can be picked up through the month of June at Boyertown Area Multi-Service on the following days:

• Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 to 10:00 am

• Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 to 4:00 pm

Any checks remaining after June 30, 2017 will be distributed by appointment until they are gone. Seniors can also call their county Area Agency on Aging to find other distribution sites.

Seniors must be 60 or older by December 31st of this year and meet the income eligibility guidelines. Income eligibility is based on 185% of the Federal Poverty Level guidelines ($22,311 annually for a one person household or $30,044 for a two person household).

Recipients are given a list of participating farmers and farmers’ markets when they receive their checks. These checks can be redeemed for fresh fruits and vegetables grown or growable in Pennsylvania at any participating farmer’s market or stand. Each eligible recipient receives 4 - $5.00 SFMNP checks.

Recipients will be asked to provide proof of residency and age when picking up their checks. If a recipient cannot come in to pick up checks for themselves they can have a proxy do it for them. However, a proxy form must be completed and signed by the recipient and proxy. Proxy forms will be available at the Multi-Service reception desk.

Call Boyertown Area Multi-Service at 610-3676957 for more information.