PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Joseph Kane has been a member of the South Philadelphia Older Adult Center for eleven years.
“They have two nice pool tables,” says Kane. “And pool is one of my passions, that’s why I come here.”
The center also helped him participate in the PCA’s annual Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program.
Paid Sponsorship: Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
“This program provides older adults in Philadelphia with vouchers to purchase fresh produce,” says Skylar Young, special projects coordinator at the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, also known as PCA.
Young says older adults can redeem the vouchers to get free fresh produce at farmers markets across Pennsylvania, as long as it is approved by the Department of Agriculture.
The vouchers will be issued in the form of five ten-dollar checks, with recipients receiving a total value of fifty dollars.
“It’s very helpful,” says Kane.
“PCA’s mission is to provide services to seniors and people with disabilities throughout the city,” says Young.
Voucher recipients receive a list of markets and nutritional education materials.
“They make it pretty comfortable,” says Kane.
On Wednesdays, Kane can walk out of downtown to the East Passyunk Market.
“They offer the full range of everything that grows in the garden,” says Kane. “So you eat healthier.”
Farm to City has organized this market for the entire Passyunk Square neighborhood community, but they also accept harvest vouchers.
“We bring farmers from many different parts of the state and New Jersey to the region to provide fruits and vegetables,” says Brian Rowe, Farm to City market manager.
At this market, older adults shopped at Cherri Blossom Farm in Honey Brook Borough, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
“They have great apples and other vegetables,” says Kane.
“Seniors can get their vouchers until September 30th unless we sell out sooner, so while supplies last,” says Young. “People can come to our office at 642 North Broad Street Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.”
Qualified seniors can also apply at participating senior centers or call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040.
Young says to be eligible for the fruit and vegetable vouchers, older adults “must live in Philadelphia, be 60 years of age or older, and also meet income guidelines.”
Older people have until November 30th to redeem the fruit and vegetable vouchers, but seniors are advised to come earlier when the fruit and vegetables are still selling best.
At the East Passyunk Market, Kane bought fresh lettuce, yellow peaches, plums and tomatoes.
“PCA does a wonderful job supporting seniors,” says Kane.
“It’s a great program that really promotes healthy eating and healthy nutrition, and we really encourage people to participate if they’re able,” Young says.
For more information:
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging: https://www.pcacares.org/
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program 2024: https://www.pcacares.org/news/2024-senior-farmers-market-nutrition-program-sfmnp-produce-vouchers/
Philadelphia Corporation on Aging
642 N. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130
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