SCHUYLKILL SENIORS RECEIVE FARM MARKET VOUCHERS IN TAMAQUA

The first of multiple farm-market voucher distributions began yesterday (Thursday, June 5, 2014) at the Tamaqua Salvation Army in Tamaqua. Farm checks, funded by state and federal government, are given out annually throughout our area to low-income people over age 60. In 1998, Pennsylvania started the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, a program of the state Department of Agriculture. Diakon, a subcontractor for the Schuylkill County Office of Senior Services, distributes the vouchers.
“I am so happy that the kick off for the Farmer’s Nutrition Program went so well with 375 registering at the Tamaqua Salvation Army,” said Dina Depos, Programs Coordinator, Tamaqua Salvation Army. “It is always good to see our service partners from Pottsville’s Diakon Senior Services, STS and Penn State Cooperative Extension. It was also wonderful to see our friends from the Apprise program and Catholic Charities.
People eligible, must have turned 60 before Dec. of this year, for the program must present valid proof of age and residency. Examples of this include a Pennsylvania driver’s license or state-issued identification card.
Income guidelines for eligibility are $21,590 for a single-person household and $29,101 for a two-person household.
Seniors may pick up checks only for themselves and one other person. Those unable to attend the distribution may have someone else pick up their voucher. Although they must provide a signed proxy form at the time of distribution.
Click HERE to search a list of participating markets.

Below is a list of dates and locations for future farm check distributions in Schuylkill County.

– June 7, 2014 from 9 AM to 12 PM at the Pottsville Senior Community Center, 201 N. Centre Street, in Pottsville.
– June 9, 2014 from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM at the Shenandoah Senior Community Center, 116 N. Main Street, in Shenandoah.
– June 12, 2014 from 10 AM to 1 PM at the Tremont Senior Community Center, 139 Clay Street, in Tremont.
– June 16, 2014 from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM at the St. Ambrose School, 302 Randal Street, in Schuylkill Haven.
– June 19, 2014 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM at the Zion Lutheran Church, Fourth & Lewis streets, in Minersville.
– June 23, 2014 from 1 PM to 3 PM at the Tower View Apartments, 100 S. Seventh Street, in Tower City.
– June 24, 2014 from 9 AM to 12 PM at the Mahanoy City Senior Community Center, 1023 E. Centre Street, in Mahanoy City.
– July 28 and 29, 2014 from 5:30 PM to 8 PM at the Schuylkill County Fair.

For more information about Schuylkill County voucher distributions, call Diakon at (570) 624-3014.

Photos below courtesy Dina Depos, Programs Director, Tamaqua Salvation Army.