Farmer Market Nutrition Program to Begin Soon

CLEARFIELD - Once again the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging, Inc. in cooperation with the PA Department of Agriculture will be conducting the Farmer Market Nutrition Program. This program provides eligible older citizens of Pennsylvania with vouchers to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables that are grown or can be grown in Pennsylvania. In Clearfield County, the distribution of FMNP vouchers will begin June 9 and run through Sept. 30.

FMNP vouchers are distributed to individuals 60 years of age and older in Clearfield County who meet income eligibility and residency requirements. The income this year is $19,240 for a single person and $25,900 for a married couple. A form of identification including date of birth and residency is required when vouchers are picked up.

The Department of Agriculture has revised the system in which checks will be distributed. An educational component has been added, as well as an advisement of rights and responsibilities for everyone receiving checks.

For those consumers who are unable to come in person, they must request and complete a proxy form giving permission for a spouse, caregiver or authorized individual to pick up their checks. The proxy form must be signed by the older consumer in order for the vouchers to be released. Proxy forms will be available at all Centers for Active Living.

Those individuals who are interested in eating lunch at a center are asked to call at least one day in advance to make their reservation. Any individual over the age of 60 may reserve a lunch and contribute to the cost of the meal on a donation basis. Anyone under 60 will be asked to contribute $3.00 towards the cost of the meal.

The following is a list of days and times that vouchers will be available at the Centers for Active Living in Clearfield County. If a consumer is unable to come during the days and times listed below, they will need to call the Center to make an appointment.

The schedule is as follows: Clearfield Center for Active Living – 765-2696, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.; Coalport Center for Active Living – 672-3574, Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.; DuBois Senior & Community Center –371-4000, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.; Houtzdale Family Service Center – 378-5120, Mondays and Tuesdays, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Karthaus Center for Active Living –263-7277, Tuesdays, noon – 1:00 p.m.; Kylertown Center for Active Living –345-6338, Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.; and Mahaffey Center for Active Living – 277-4544, Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

For more information, call your local Center for Active Living or the CCAAA at 765-2696 or 1-800-225-8571. All programs are listed on the CCAAA Web site.

Programs and services of the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging, Inc. are funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging, Mature Resources Foundation, and local and client contributions.