Farmers market program checks delayed until late June

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has reported that the Farmers Market Nutrition Program and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks will not arrive on the originally scheduled date.

The vendor selected to print the 2023 checks has informed the Department of Agriculture that the previously agreed upon check delivery date of June 1 is no longer feasible. Instead, the checks are not expected to ship until June 23. Due to the printing facility being located in Utah, the Department of Agriculture estimates the delivery dates to be June 28, 29, and 30.

This year, the department is transitioning the checks to a hybrid electronic solution that will allow farmers to more quickly and easily deposit their checks. However, this transition to a hybrid check with embedded QR codes has resulted in significant computer programming delays for the printer. Additionally, the department has been informed that the specialty paper upon which the checks are printed has not yet been received at the printer. These delays have pushed the production date for the checks back significantly. The department said that it is continuing to work with the vendor to expedite this process in any way possible to get the checks into hands of Pennsylvanians in need of food assistance at the earliest possible date.

Checks will still be available for the majority of the Farmers Market season — with check redemption running through Nov. 30 — and the value of checks available to eligible recipients will remain the same as planned. Each eligible senior will receive five $10 vouchers. As new information and timelines are available, updates will be provided.

The Jefferson County Area Agency on Aging will distribute vouchers once received in its office. To qualify you must:

• Be 60 years of age by Dec. 31, 2023.

• Be a resident of Jefferson County

• Meet the 2023 household income guidelines.

For updates, call JCAAA at 814-849-3096 or check its social media.