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Politics & Government

Nutley Seniors Eligible for Produce Vouchers

Seniors are encouraged to apply for vouchers that will allow them to get free produce at the Nutley Farmers Market.

Starting this week, Nutley senior citizens may qualify for a free voucher they can spend on fresh fruits and vegetables at the Nutley Farmers’ Mareket.

The market takes place every Sunday through October.

Nutley officials are working with Essex County’s Department of Health and Senior Services to provide funding for qualifying Nutley seniors through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, according to Nutley Commissioner Steven Rogers, who directs the Department of Public Affairs and the Health Department. 

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Qualifying seniors will receive up to $20 in vouchers, in four installments of $5 each, that can be used at participating stands at the Farmers Market, and other local markets, Rogers said.

Nutley’s Farmers Market takes place every Sunday now through October 28th in Municipal Parking Lot #1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to Commissioner Joseph Scarpelli.

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"I am grateful to the County for offering this program to our residents, because providing assistance to low-income seniors is important," Rogers said.  "This is a good way to insure that seniors in need will be able to purchase nutritious food.”  

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides eligible low-income seniors with coupons to purchase fresh, nutritious locally grown produce and fresh cut herbs from certified farmers and roadside stands, according to county officials. 

The program reinforces the importance of using locally grown produce and expands the awareness and use of local farmers, and also promotes good nutrition, officials said.

To sign up for the program, a qualifying senior must be 60 years of age or older, with proof of residency, income and identification to receive $20 in Farmers Market Vouchers to spend. 

Officials said the income eligibility is having an annual income of $20,147 or less, pr $1,679 monthly or less.  

To register for the program through the Department of Public Affairs, 149 Chestnut Street, Nutley starting July 31st, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.  No appointment is necessary.

Registration takes a few minutes, Rogers said, and vouchers will be available for distribution at the time of registration. 

Some vendors will also accept WIC vouchers, which are New Jersey’s supplemental nutrition program for low-income women, infants and children. Right now, those Nutley Farmers Market farmers are Asprocolas and Griskonis, Rogers said. 

For additional information about the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program and how to apply for the program please contact the Department of Public Affairs at 973-284-4972. 

Log on to www.nutleynj.org for program updates, and information about Nutley’s Farmers Market.

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