Potter County Human Services Area Agency on Aging will start distributing Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks for Potter County senior citizens

On Tuesday, June 16, 2020, Potter County Human Services Area Agency on Aging will start distributing Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks for Potter County senior citizens.  These checks are through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.   Each senior citizen receives one set of (4) $6 checks per year.  DUE TO COVID-19, CHECK DISTRIBUTION RULES HAVE CHANGED.  PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SENIOR CENTER AT THE NUMBERS LISTED BELOW OR CALL BARB KIEL, AT POTTER COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES AREA AGENCY ON AGING. 

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides eligible senior citizens with checks to use at approved farmers markets to purchase qualifying fresh fruits and vegetables through November 30, 2020.  The checks will be issued through September 30, 2020.

SFMNP checks may only be used to purchase produce grown in Pennsylvania or produce that was purchased directly from a Pennsylvania farmer.    Some of the produce that qualifies under the program includes beans, berries, corn, cucumbers, peppers, squash, tomatoes, watermelon, apples, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, grapes, onions, potatoes, pumpkins and zucchini. No citrus fruits or tropical fruits are eligible under the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Processed foods, such as jam, honey, cider and baked goods are also ineligible to be purchased through this program.

Potter County senior citizens, age sixty or older, whose income is $23,606 or less for a single person or $31,894 or less for a couple, or $40,182 or less for 3 people or $48,470 or less for four people are eligible for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Income is based on the total income for 2019.  These guidelines are subject to change.  The federal guidelines that are in place the day of distribution will be those that are used.  Eligible participants will be issued four (4), $6.00 checks. 

Seniors who reside in nursing homes, personal care homes or other residential facilities where meals are provided are not eligible for this program.

Vendors that are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for this program display a sign indicating that the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks are accepted.  A list of local farmers markets can be obtained at the Potter County Senior Centers or Potter County Human Services Area Agency on Aging.

According to the Potter County Area Agency on Aging, this is a very beneficial program that will benefit eligible seniors in Potter County by providing fresh, nutritious home grown produce.  This program also benefits the farmers who raise these items.  It is hoped that seniors will take full advantage of this program.  If you know anyone who is eligible, please have them contact us at the numbers below.

Ulysses Senior Center                                                       Mon. – Wed.

Ulysses Community Bldg.                                                9 A.M. – 1 P.M.

522 Main Street

Ulysses, PA  16948

848-9880

Oswayo Valley Senior Center                                          Mon. – Wed.

128 Lyons Street                                                               9 A.M. – 1 P.M.

Shinglehouse, PA  16748

697-7178

Galeton Senior Center                                                      Wed. – Fri.

St. Bibiana Parish Hall                                                     9 A.M. – 1 P.M.

111 Germania Street

Galeton, PA  16922

435-2864

Coudersport Senior Center                                              Wed. – Fri.

Coudersport Volunteer Fire Dept. Training  Ctr.         9 A.M. – 1 P.M.

171 Rt. 6 West

Coudersport, PA  16915

274-7887

Potter County Human Services AAA

62 North Street

Roulette, PA  16746

814-544-7315 or 1-800-800-2560

Ask for Barb Kiel

For more information, please contact Barb Kiel, Potter County Area Agency on Aging at 544-7315 or 1-800-800-2560.