The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program for 2022:
https://www.gecac.org/work/aging/senior-farmers-market-nutrition-program
 
OverviewThe Senior Farmers' Market Voucher Program provides low-income seniors with coupons (4 * $6 coupons per person or $24 worth) that can be exchanged for eligible foods (fruits, vegetables, and fresh-cut herbs) at farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture programs.
This program is important for seniors because it provides financial support for access to healthy, fresh produce that may otherwise be difficult to come by or afford. Senior hunger and health complications affect many elderly individuals nationwide. Access to fresh produce can help seniors gets the nutrients they need to maintain a healthy diet.
Who is eligible?

• Age 60 and older  (or turn 60 by 12/31/2022)
• Resides in Erie County
• Household incomes of not more than 185% of the federal poverty guidelines:

1 peson $25,142; 2 people $33,874; 3 people $42,606; 4 people $51,338; 5 people $60,070; 6 people $68,802
Eligible Seniors may receive vouchers at our designated Community Distribution Events. These events re listed below. 

• Seniors may receive vouchers only one time during the 2022 Program Year. This will be verified at the time of pick-up.
• The application is not required for seniors receiving vouchers in person.  The application may allow for a quicker process and less contact. 
• The Senior may appoint a proxy to pick their vouchers up for them.  A completed application is required in order for a proxy to receive vouchers for the eligible senior.  This year, the application may be used in place of the Proxy form. The application may be downloaded, printed, and completed. Proxies will be required to show proof of ID along with the application.  A person may proxy for not more than four eligible seniors.
• If you are unable to print off the application, you may call GECAC at (814) 459-4581 ext. 400 and request an application be mailed to you.  You may also call this number if you have questions about accessing vouchers.

Vouchers will NOT be distributed at:

• Locations outside the designated dates /hours of distribution.
• GECAC's main office. 

SFMNP checks cannot be used before June 1, 2022 or after November 30, 2022.
 
· SFMNP customers may buy only fruits, vegetables and herbs grown in Pennsylvania
· Recipients must sign in the “Signature Recipient or Proxy” block on the front of the checks. Do this before going to the market or take a pen with you.
· At the market look for stands displaying the white Farmers Market Nutrition Program poster.
· Each check is worth $6. Farmers are not permitted to give change for purchases for less than $6.
· Program recipients may place orders online with FMNP approved farmer; however, you must pay with your paper FMNP checks.
   A proxy may go to markets to make the purchase for you.
 
Erie County PA 2022 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program – Community Distribution Dates:
(Vouchers may be received only ONE time in the program year – select the one site closest to you)
 
June 13 - GECAC North East Sr. Center 50 E. Main St., North East 06/13 9 to 12 PM 814-725-5195
June 21- GECAC Tri-Boro Sr. Center 7555 W. Ridge Rd., Fairview 06/21 9 to 3 PM 814-474-2211
June 23 -GECAC Corry Sr. Center 25 S. First Ave., Corry 06/23 9 to 3 PM 814-664-2477
June 24 - GECAC Northwestern Sr. Ctr. 9 Academy St., Albion 06/24 9 to 1 PM 814-756-5373
June 24 - GECAC Union City Sr. Center 27 Johnson St., Union City 06/24 9 to 12 PM 814-438-2146
June 27th:  Bayfront Convention Center 1 Sassafras Pier, Erie 06/27 9 to 4 PM 814-459-4581 ext. 400
 
After the designated Community Distribution Events, eligible seniors who did not receive vouchers may contact their local GECAC Senior Center.  https://www.gecac.org/work/aging/senior-centers

The E4 https://e4center.org/
Engage, Educate, and Empower for Equity:
E4 Center of Excellence for
Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging The mission of the E4 Center is to engage, empower, and educate health care providers and community-based organizations for equity in behavioral health for older adults and their families. E4 will achieve this through the provision of education, implementation resources, and technical assistance regarding mental health, substance use, and their intersection with physical health. To learn more, please watch the video below or please click here.
Toolkit...
https://e4center.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/E4_Toolkit_FINAL.pdf

• The U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing 5/19/2022 Mental Health Care for Older Adults: Raising Awareness, Addressing Stigma, and Providing Support 

​Mental Health Care for Older Adults: Raising Awareness, Addressing Stigma, and Providing Support
 
Dear Friends:
Last week, I held a hearing, “Mental Health Care for Older Adults: Raising Awareness, Addressing Stigma, and Providing Support” to examine opportunities to improve mental health services for older adults.
I highlighted my bipartisan Advancing Integration in Medicare and Medicaid Act (S.4273), which would require states to create a plan to address fragmentation in Medicare and Medicaid. Many older adults and people with disabilities rely on Medicare and Medicaid for mental health services and too many face roadblocks accessing the support they need.
Many of our aging loved ones suffer in silence due to stigma, so we must improve access and destigmatize mental health.
Sincerely,

Robert P. Casey Jr.
Chairman, Senate Special Committee on Aging
United States Senator

Any donation items can be dropped off at 3901 Liberty St. Erie, PA.