Farm check distributions begin today in Tamaqua and on Saturday in Pottsville, Kathy Leahy, a community wellness coordinator with Diakon Community Services for Seniors, 118 S. Centre St., Pottsville, said Wednesday.
Farm checks are given out annually to low-income people over age 60.
In 1998, Pennsylvania started the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which is funded by the state and federal government. This is the 12th year Schuylkill County has been part of it. Diakon, a subcontractor for the Schuylkill County Office of Senior Services, distributes the vouchers, Leahy said.
Diakon Community Services is administering the 2014 Senior Farm Market Nutrition Program through the Schuylkill County Senior Community Centers. A program of the state Department of Agriculture, the Senior Farm Market Nutrition Program will issue farm-market vouchers to eligible older adults, Leahy said.
"People eligible for the program must present valid proof of age and residency, such as a Pennsylvania driver's license or state-issued identification card. In addition, those eligible must have turned 60 before Dec. 31 of this year. Income guidelines for eligibility are $21,590 for a single-person household and $29,101 for a two-person household," Leahy said.
"Eligible persons should arrive at the distribution site no more than 30 minutes before the listed time," Leahy said.
"Older adults 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, but must provide a signed proxy form at the time of distribution," Leahy said.
Proxy forms will be available after May 15 at all senior community centers or by sending a request with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Diakon Community Services, FMNP Proxy Request, 118 S. Centre St., Suite 1, Pottsville, PA 17901. Only official 2014 Senior Farm Market Nutrition Program proxy forms will be accepted, Leahy said.
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Below is a list of dates, times and locations for farm check distribution:
- June 5, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m., Tamaqua Salvation Army, 105 W. Broad St.
- June 7, 9 a.m. - Noon, Pottsville Senior Community Center, 201 N. Centre St.
- June 9, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m., Shenandoah Senior Community Center, 116 N. Main St.
- June 12, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Tremont Senior Community Center, 139 Clay St.
- June 16, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m., St. Ambrose School, 302 Randal Street, Schuylkill Haven
- June 19, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church, Fourth & Lewis streets, Minersville
- June 23, 1 - 3 p.m., Tower View Apartments, 100 S. Seventh St., Tower City
- June 24, 9 a.m. - Noon, Mahanoy City Senior Community Center
- July 28 and 29, Schuylkill County Fair, 5:30 - 8 p.m.
Source: Diakon Community Services for Seniors, Pottsville