More Fresh Produce Vouchers Distributed To Philadelphia Senior Citizens
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By Lynne Adkins
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PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Hundreds of seniors lined up at the Reading Terminal Market today for free food vouchers.
The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program helps up to 36,000 Philadelphians buy healthy, locally grown fruits and vegetables.
"You get four voucher for each consumer, and they're $5 for each voucher, and it's a great program," says Sue Gibson (below right), nutrition manager at the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, which runs the annual program.
Low-income Philadelphia residents age 60 and older need only to show a picture ID to get the coupons, which can be used in participating markets and farm stands.
Phyllis Ochiuto had her shopping list ready: "Potatos and carrots and celery, that kind of thing," she said. "Fruits. It's not a lot but it stretches the dollar a little bit."
The program is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
