Philadelphia Corporation for Aging offering produce vouchers to eligible older adults

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Paid Sponsor Partnership: Philadelphia Corporation for Aging

Every Wednesday, produce stands pop up outside the South Philadelphia Older Adult Center.

"This is the East Passyunk Farmers Market. It's been around for over 20 years," says Jon Glyn, owner of Evergreen Events. "The East Passyunk Market is part of a whole network of farmers' markets that Evergreen runs here in the city."

Evergreen Events helps connect local farmers to the community and PCA helps connect older adults to the markets.

"The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is a seasonal program that allows older adults to receive produce vouchers to spend on PA-grown produce," says Emily Flanders, special projects coordinator for Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.

"Like most farmers' markets in the city, we accept the FMNP vouchers," says Glyn.

Senior center members, like Amy DeFeo, say they enjoy the ease of access.

"I come every Wednesday. I like the art class," says DeFeo, member of the South Philadelphia Older Adult Center. "And I love the farmers' market."

Older adults can pick up produce vouchers at PCA senior centers. Distribution days and times vary across senior centers, so it is recommended to check the list posted on PCACares.org.

Flanders says produce vouchers can also be picked up at PCA headquarters at 642 N. Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through September 30, 2026, or "while supplies last."

Vouchers can be used through November 30, 2026.

"They give you a list of all the places where you can actually get fresh produce," says DeFeo. "And the amount of money is good."

"Seniors receive five, $5 vouchers for a total of $25," says Flanders. "Eligible participants are Philadelphia County residents who are 60 or older who meet the income guidelines."

The quality of the produce is a highlight of the experience.

"I look for the fresh fruit," says DeFeo.

"We work with the actual growers, farmers, beekeepers," says Glyn. "They can only grow and sell what's in season."

He says sweet corn is "really popular" right now.

Joseph DiMeo brings his mother, Angelina, to shop at the market.

"Everything really looks good," says DiMeo, member of the South Philadelphia Older Adult Center. "And most of all this stuff is organic, so that's the good part."

"The mission of PCA is to improve the lives of older adults in Philadelphia," says Flanders.

And, she adds that having access to fresh fruits and vegetables is part of "a healthy lifestyle" for seniors.

"There's a vitality to the farm-fresh food," says Glyn. "Once they get that into their systems, they can feel it."

Again, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers can be picked up at PCA's headquarters or at any of their senior centers. Checking their website at PCACares.org is recommended as distribution dates and times vary across sites. The list of market vendors in the state of PA that take the vouchers is available on the state's website at PA.gov or you can download the FMNP Market Locator app for Apple or Android to find the nearest participating location to redeem the produce vouchers. If you need additional assistance, you can call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040.

For more information:
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging | Senior Centers - Philadelphia Corporation For Aging
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program | Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)
Produce Vouchers - Philadelphia Corporation For Aging
List of PCA Senior Centers Where Produce Vouchers Can be Picked Up with Dates & Times | 2026-SFMNP-Senior-Center-list.pdf
To Find a Market to Redeem Produce Vouchers | PAMeals - Farm Market Search
Download the FMNP Market Locator App | Farmers Market Nutrition Programs | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging Headquarters (Wallace Building)
642 N. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130