FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2006
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Pileggi Announces Start of Farmers Market Nutrition Program 

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 

Senator Dominic Pileggi (R-9) encourages area seniors to apply for a voucher to obtain $20 worth of fresh produce through the state's Farmers Market Nutrition Program.

Area seniors and Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Program participants can use the vouchers to purchase locally grown produce at farmer's markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture programs between June 1 and November 30 of this year.  Vouchers must be used to purchase crops grown within Pennsylvania.

"The Farmers Market Nutrition Program has been remarkably successful at providing low-income, nutritionally at-risk older adults with fresh produce," Pileggi said.  "I would encourage eligible individuals to complete an application."

To be eligible, seniors must be sixty years of age and older, and have a household income of less than $17,705 if single, or less than $23,736 if married.  WIC recipients must be deemed eligible by their local agency.

Vouchers will be distributed throughout the 9th Senatorial District at the following locations:

• Oxford Senior Center, 12 East Locust Street, Oxford
  (610) 932-5244; Monday through Friday, 10:00-2:00 p.m.
• Life Center, 427 South Walnut Street, Kennett Square
  (610) 444-4819; Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 8:30-3:30 p.m.
• COSA of Delaware County, 206 Eddystone Avenue, Eddystone
  (610) 490-1300; Wednesdays 1:00-3:00 p.m.
• Chester Senior Center, 721 Hayes Street, Chester
  (610) 497-3550; Wednesdays 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Senator Pileggi noted that additional information on the Farmers Market Nutrition Program is available through his office at (610) 447-5845.    

Contact:

Brandon W. Boberick
(610) 447-5845
bboberick@pasen.gov