BOALSBURG, PA — Pennsylvania officials on Tuesday urged low-income seniors and families to take advantage of a state-funded voucher program that connects residents with fresh produce from local farms while providing additional revenue for agricultural producers.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Women, Infants and Children Bureau Director Sally Zubairu-Cofield visited the Boalsburg Farmers Market in Centre County to highlight the Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which provides vouchers that eligible participants can use to purchase Pennsylvania-grown fruits, vegetables and fresh-cut herbs from participating farmers.
The program operates annually from June through September, allowing participants in the WIC program and qualifying seniors to redeem vouchers through the end of November at more than 1,000 participating farm markets and roadside stands statewide.
The initiative comes as food insecurity continues to affect many Pennsylvania households. According to Feeding Pennsylvania, one in eight Pennsylvanians may not know where their next meal will come from.
“For the 1.7 million Pennsylvanians who struggle with hunger, there is sometimes a gap between the abundance around them and the food they can easily access and afford,” Redding said. “The Farmers Market Nutrition Program is one of a full menu of state support, connecting the bounty of healthy food Pennsylvania farmers produce with those who struggle daily to afford it.”
State officials said the program benefits both consumers and farmers by increasing access to fresh food while directing spending toward local agricultural businesses. In 2025, more than $3.9 million in Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers were redeemed statewide, providing direct support to participating Pennsylvania farms.
In Centre County alone, 7,751 vouchers were issued last year, including benefits distributed to 1,063 low-income seniors and 812 WIC families. Those vouchers generated more than $35,000 in purchases of Pennsylvania-grown produce.
Sally Zubairu-Cofield, who oversees Pennsylvania’s WIC program, encouraged eligible families to participate.
“As a former WIC mom, I know how meaningful these extra dollars can be for families,” Zubairu-Cofield said. “This is a great opportunity to buy local, bring home fresh fruits and vegetables, and connect with the farmers who grow our food.”
The event also included representatives from the Home Nursing Agency, which administers WIC services locally, and state Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre.
“Especially now, when so many folks are struggling with the rising cost of groceries and other essentials, programs like this that help women, children, and seniors access healthy, nutritious foods are more important than ever,” Takac said.
Officials used the event to highlight broader food security investments proposed by Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration, including continued funding for food assistance programs, food banks and agricultural surplus distribution efforts. The administration’s proposed 2026-27 budget includes funding for the State Food Purchase Program, the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System, a proposed State Food Bucks initiative, and additional support for food banks.
Eligible seniors can obtain vouchers through their local Area Agency on Aging, while WIC participants can receive benefits through local WIC offices. State officials said vouchers may be redeemed through participating farmers’ markets and farm stands across Pennsylvania through the end of November.
Additional information about the Farmers Market Nutrition Program and participating locations is available through the PA FMNP Market Locator app and at agriculture.pa.gov.
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