Somerset County Office on Aging to Offer Farmers’ Market Vouchers for Eligible Residents

Somerset County Office on Aging to Offer Farmers’ Market Vouchers for Eligible Residents

Apply on July 1 to Purchase Nutritious & Delicious Food

Residents can apply for vouchers from July 1 to Sept. 30, 2021.

Post Date: 06/29/2021 1:34 PM 

SOMERVILLE, NJ – Beginning July 1 until Sept. 30, residents can apply with the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services to receive $30 worth of farmers’ market vouchers for the purchase of locally-grown fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs. Eligible residents can use these vouchers at participating Somerset County farmer’s markets until Nov. 30, 2021. Vouchers will be distributed to eligible residents on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“The latest numbers show that there are about 17,000 food-insecure residents,” said Somerset County Commissioner Paul Drake.  “The Farmers’ Market Voucher Program makes it possible for eligible senior residents to have better access to fresh produce, and it also helps support the county’s local farmers who have been struggling because of the pandemic.” 

Eligibility Requirements
 Applicants must be 60-years of age and above, reside in Somerset County and:

• Show proof of age and residency with a valid driver’s license or other documentation 
• Fill out a registration form to receive the vouchers
• If single, cannot have an income that exceeds $23,828 
• If married, cannot have a joint income that exceeds $32,227
• Will be required to sign and date a Self-Declaration of Income form stating that they meet the required income guidelines. Proof of income will not be required this year

How to Apply
Walk-ins will not be accepted without an appointment. Residents who are interested in applying must make an appointment by calling the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services at 908-704-6346 or toll-free 1-888-747-1122, between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

After making an appointment, applicants will apply in person to receive their vouchers by visiting the Office on Aging and Disability Services located at 27 Warren Street, Somerville, NJ 08876. Parking is available in the Visitor Lot located to the right of the Somerset County Human Services Building. Masks are required for those who are not fully vaccinated and should be worn when social distancing cannot be maintained.

For residents who prefer to pick-up their vouchers at a county-operated senior center, limited appointments are available and can be arranged at the time of application. 

Proxy Representative
 Applicants who are unable to visit the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services and/or shop utilizing the vouchers can complete a proxy form and send a representative to pick up their vouchers. A proxy must be at least 16-years of age or older and can represent more than one resident. 

Participating Farm Stands
Farmers’ markets vouchers will be accepted until November 30, 2021 at: Ripple Hill Farms, Basking Ridge; Bernardsville Farmers Market, Bernardsville; Hillsborough Farm County Market, Hillsborough; Axcel Farm, Hillsborough; Duke Farm to Table Market, Hillsborough; Norz-Hill Farm & Market, Hillsborough; Manville Farmers Market, Manville; Montgomery Farmers Market, Montgomery; North Plainfield Farmers Market, North Plainfield; John H. Drake Farm, Skillman. 

For more information about the Farmer’s Market Program please contact the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services toll-free at 1-888-747-1122 or 908-704-6346. 

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
 The Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services receives vouchers through the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). The SFMNP is a program designed to provide low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs; increase the domestic consumption of agricultural commodities through farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agricultural programs; and aid in the development of local agriculture. 

Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services
The Office on Aging and Disability Services connects seniors, their caregivers and adults with disabilities to the programs and services they need to remain independent and active in their community. For details about the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services, click here.