Starting July 6

SOMERVILLE - Eligible seniors can get free vouchers to buy New Jersey fresh produce, such as fruits, vegetables and herbs, at participating farmers markets in Somerset County.

The vouchers, which are valued at $5 each, will be available starting July 6 and can be redeemed until November 30 of this year. Eligible seniors can obtain up to six vouchers (a value of $30 per person) at the Somerset County Office on Aging, located at 27 Warren St., Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Vouchers will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

Eligible individuals must be residents of Somerset County and be at least 60 years old. Income guidelines require that an individual’s annual income not exceed $20,036, and a married couple’s annual income not exceed $26,955.

Applicants are requested to show proof of age and residency, such as a driver’s license or other documentation. To be automatically eligible, an applicant can provide a Medicaid or SSI card or show proof of participation in a food stamp program. Otherwise, individuals will be asked to sign a Self Declaration of Income Statement, which lists monthly or annual income, address and phone number. Office on Aging staff will be available to assist residents when they apply for the vouchers.

If seniors are unable to visit the Office on Aging to redeem the vouchers, they may send a representative, who is at least 16 years old, has personal identification and the identification items listed above for the eligible senior. The representative must provide a proxy statement or letter that is signed and dated by the eligible senior, which states that the proxy is authorized to pick up the vouchers. A proxy form can be obtained in advance by contacting the Office on Aging at 1-888-747-1122.

Participating farm markets include Ripple Hill Farm, Basking Ridge; Bernardsville Farmers Market, Bernardsville; Bound Brook Farmers Market, Bound Brook; Linda’s Farmers Market, Bridgewater; Franklin Township Farmers Market, Franklin Township; Sunhaven Farms, Hillsborough; Running Free Organic Farm, Hillsborough; Norz-Hill Farm & Market, Hillsborough; North Plainfield Farmers Market, North Plainfield; Montgomery Farmers Market, Montgomery Township; Suydam Farms, Somerset; and Kingston Farm Market, Kingston.

For more information, contact the Somerset County Office on Aging at 1-888-747-1122.