Northampton County officials are expressing concern following a significant and unexpected funding reduction to the 2025 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, a service that provides low-income older adults with access to fresh, nutritious, locally grown produce.

Northampton County was originally scheduled to receive 3,000 voucher booklets. That number has now been cut to 2,265, a 25% reduction from an already diminished total.

Each booklet consists of five $5 vouchers, amounting to $25 in fresh food purchasing power per eligible recipient. The program provides $25 for farm-fresh fruits and vegetables during the growing season — food that many cannot otherwise afford.

Vouchers will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible residents must be age 60 or older and meet income guidelines. Proof of age and residency are required at the time of pickup.

Residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the Northampton County Area Agency on Aging at 610-829-4540.

Local distributions will be held July 2. They are set for 9:30-11 a.m. at Northampton Senior Community Center, 902 Lincoln Ave., Northampton, and then 12:30-2 p.m. at Cherryville Senior Community Center, 4131 Lehigh Drive, Cherryville.

County residents can also go to the Northampton County Department of Human Services Building, 2801 Emrick Blvd., Bethlehem.