Garden club thriving at PCA-Operated Southwest Senior Center
SOUTHWEST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Paid Sponsor Partnership: Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
Members of the Southwest Senior Center's Garden Club are excited about their crop. Cynthia Murray is one of the growers.
"We meet on Tuesday, just before lunch," says Murray, member of the Southwest Senior Center Garden Club. "And we have about 15 to 20 members."
There are a variety of vegetables, herbs and flowers in raised beds and pots. Okra, watermelon, collard greens and corn are all thriving in the garden.
"The garden club has been going on about eight years now," says Paulette Cunningham, Center Director for the Southwest Senior Center. "Whatever they plant they're able to take home."
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging's Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is another way older adults can access fresh produce.
"We are distributing farmers market vouchers to the seniors in this community," she says.
"It's five $5 vouchers, for a total of $25 for older adults throughout Philadelphia, to spend at farmers markets in Pennsylvania," says Skylar Young, Special Projects Coordinator for Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA).
Harriet Parker participates in both programs.
"It's very beneficial for health wise," says Parker, member of the Southwest Senior Center. "Living alone, I see that I'm not eating like I should and with the vouchers I do tend to get the vegetables."
Anyone aged 60 or older who lives in Philadelphia, and meets the income guidelines, is eligible for the program.
"You can go to any location, one of our senior centers or our office at 642 North Broad Street," says Young. "You just need your photo I.D. to complete an application to get your vouchers."
Program participants also receive a list of farmers markets where vouchers can be redeemed.
"We're so thankful that we can offer this kind of program every year to the seniors," says Cunningham.
"PCA's mission is enriching lives and preserving dignity of older adults throughout Philadelphia," says Young.
And the garden club demonstrates what seniors can achieve together.
"We love being out there and I have learned quite a bit, knowing what to grow and how to grow it," says Parker.
"Gardening is such fun," says Murray.
"I am so proud of them and what they have produced," says Cunningham. "It's healthy eating."
The farmers market vouchers will be distributed at PCA and local senior centers through September 30, while supplies last, and the last day to spend the vouchers is November 30, 2025.
You can check out PCACares.org or call PCA's helpline at 215-765-9040 for more information.
For more information:
Southwest Senior Center
PCA's Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging Senior Centers
Southwest Senior Center
6916 Elmwood Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19142