BUFFALO TOWNSHIP -- Some senior citizens in Union County got vouchers that they can use to buy produce at local farmer's markets.
People lined up inside Ard's Farm Market near Lewisburg for most of the morning to get free vouchers. These vouchers give them $20 to buy fresh fruits and vegetables.
"In this economy, why, you need everything you can get," said Judy Bowersox.
The produce vouchers are sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. They are available in all counties in Pennsylvania to people who are 60 years and older who meet certain income guidelines. The seniors are able to take them to any farmer's market in Pennsylvania and redeem them.
"We always save ours towards the fall for potatoes and apples. We enjoy it because I said this year I'm going to make apple butter," Bowersox added.
The seniors say the vouchers are a big help because of the prices of produce.
"They do get expensive."
Dawn Grandin of Lewisburg says she plants tomatoes but enjoys eating other fresh produce.
"You can't grow everything at home and you like to have some homegrown vegetables and fruits."
Employees at Ard's Farm Market say the vouchers also help them. The program helps bring people into the store.
"A lot of times when they're in here, they pick up other things as well."
Shelby Hackenberg is the market manager at Ard's. She says she sees firsthand how helpful the program is for seniors.
"It's a very good program for the seniors to have because a lot of the produce is pretty pricey for them. When they get these vouchers, they come in and enjoy all the fresh local produce that we have."
The produce vouchers will be distributed at various locations throughout the state.
