In 2025, many pantry seniors mentioned they did not receive any farmers market vouchers. Unfortunately, the supply Lehigh County received from the state were all mailed out. They are mailed on a first-come basis.

I called Lehigh County Department of Aging this week. They mentioned there are thousands of applications in, and the vouchers are still coming in twice a month from the state. They encouraged me to keep having seniors send in the applications.

The program ends Nov. 30. Submit your application as soon as possible.

Whitehall-Coplay Hunger Initiative has the 2026 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program application at our food distributions. It is also on our website, whitehallcoplayhungerinitiative.org, under the Community Info tab.

I am repeating the article below that I wrote for the June 18 edition.

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. This 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 your quarterly WIC visit (May to September).

“SFMNP eligibility: To be eligible, seniors must be aged 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 person where you live for more information. The Press readers live in Lehigh and Northampton counties. Both county aging groups will only accept applications via mail, and they will distribute the vouchers via mail.

For Lehigh County Aging and Adult Services, contact Marianne Werling at 17 S. Seventh St., Allentown, 18101 or 610-782-3034.

For Northampton County Area Agency on Aging, contact Kim Nichol at 2801 Emrick Blvd., Bethlehem, 18020 or 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. Citrus and other tropical fruits are not allowed.

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); Northampton Farmers Market, open 3-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at 1401 Laubach Ave., Northampton (610-417-4506); Covered Bridge Farm, 65 Covered Bridge Road, Northampton (610-261-0261); Elias Market, 101 W. Tilghman St., Allentown (610-776-1030); and Newhard Farms Corn Shed, 3250 Mauch Chunk Road, Coplay (610-799-3303).