Every year, I provide information for seniors and WIC (women, infants and children) recipients to obtain vouchers to be used to purchase fresh vegetables and herbs from area farmers markets. The information below comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

“The WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provide WIC recipients and low-income seniors with fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs from approved farmers in Pennsylvania. The program aims to strengthen local food systems by building profitable markets for farmers in this commonwealth while expanding fresh food access in underserved communities across the commonwealth.

“Only farmers authorized by the state agency may accept and redeem FMNP and SFMNP checks. Individuals who exclusively sell produce grown by someone else or purchased from a wholesale distributor cannot be authorized to participate in the FMNP.

“FMNP WIC recipients must be on the WIC program to receive this benefit. WIC clients will receive program vouchers during [their] quarterly WIC visit (May-September).

“To be eligible, seniors must be age 60 by Dec. 31 and meet the federal income guidelines. The 2026 household income guidelines are as follows: one person, $29,526; two people, $40,034; three people, $50,542.”

If you have more than three people living in your household, contact the county where you live below for more information.

Both Lehigh and Northampton counties will only accept applications via mail, in either English or Spanish. They will distribute the vouchers via mail.

For Lehigh County Aging and Adult Services: attn: Marianne Werling, 17 S. Seventh St., Allentown, 18101; questions at 610-782-3034

For Northampton County Area Agency on Aging: attn: Kim Nichol, 2801 Emrick Blvd., Bethlehem, 18020; questions at 610-829-4540

Senior applicants must watch “My Plate for Older Adults.” The 3:39-minute video is excellent!

Each eligible participant will receive $25 in vouchers to be used at approved farmers markets to purchase Pennsylvania-grown fruits and vegetables. Vouchers are available for use until Nov. 30.

The vouchers can be redeemed for Pennsylvania fresh fruits and vegetables only. No processed food like jams, honey, nuts, cider or baked goods are eligible. Also, citrus and other tropical fruits are not allowed.

Whitehall-Coplay Hunger Initiative will have the 2026 SFMNP application at our food distributions. It will also be on our website at whitehallcoplayhungerinitiative.org, under the Community Info tab.

The vouchers must be redeemed at a qualified farmers market or roadside stand. The closest markets to Whitehall, Coplay, Catasauqua and Northampton are Lazarus Farm Market, 3605 Rural Road, Whitehall (610-799-3831); Newhard Farms Corn Shed, 3250 Mauch Chunk Road, Coplay (610-799-3303); Northampton Farmers Market, 3-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 1401 Laubach Ave. (610-417-4506); Covered Bridge Farm, 65 Covered Bridge Road, Northampton (610-261-0261); and Elias Market, 101 W. Tilghman St., Allentown (610-776-1030).