SOMERVILLE – Eligible Somerset County residents can receive free farmers’ market electronic benefits worth $50 through a QR Code to purchase fresh vegetables, fruit, and herbs grown at local farms. QR Codes are available at the Office on Aging and Disability Services, located in Somerville, from July 5 to Sept. 30, on a first-come, first-serve basis by walk-in appointment only.
Farm Stands Participating in 2023
Ripple Hill Farms, Basking Ridge; Bedminster Farmers Market, Bedminster; Melick Town Farm, Bridgewater; Alstede Farms, Bridgewater; Axcel Farm, Hillsborough; Duke Farms Farmers Market, Hillsborough; Norz-Hill Farm & Market, Hillsborough; Watchung Farmers Market, Watchung.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible individuals must be 60 years of age and above, reside in Somerset County and meet the following income guidelines:
• An individual’s income cannot exceed $26,973.
• A married couple’s income cannot exceed $36,482.
Application and Registration Process
Applicants MUST provide proof of all income. Eligible applicants will be required to:
• Show current income tax return.
• Show current pay stub.
• Applicants collecting social security MUST provide their social security award letter.
• Proof of pension.
• Provide a bank statement.
• Fill out a registration form to receive the electronic benefits.
• Applicants MUST show proof of age and residency with a driver’s license or other documentation.
To obtain a copy of the social security award letter, visit the Social Security Office, located at 245 US-22, Suite 207, Bridgewater, NJ, 08807, or call toll-free at 1-800-772-1213.
Make an Appointment to Apply and Pick Up QR Codes
To make an appointment and to apply, call the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services between, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. toll-free at 1-888-747-1122 or 908-704-6346.
Residents can pick up vouchers at the following location:
• Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services
27 Warren Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
Parking is available in the visitor lot to the right of the Somerset County Human Services Building
Alternate Authorized Representative Form
If eligible participants are unable to apply for electronic benefits at the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services, they can send a representative. A representative can only represent a maximum of three seniors.
The representative must meet the following criteria:
• Be at least 16 years of age or older.
• Provide a statement or letter that is signed and dated by the eligible senior stating the representative is authorized to pick up the QR Code.
• Provide identification.
Obtain an alternate authorized representative form by contacting the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services toll-free at 1-888-747-1122 or 908-704-6346.
For more information about the Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program, contact the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services toll-free at 1-888-747-1122 or 908-704-6346.
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
The Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services receives electronic benefits through the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). The SFMNP is a program designed to provide low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs; increase the domestic consumption of agricultural commodities through farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agricultural programs; and aid in the development of local agriculture.
Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services
The Office on Aging and Disability Services connects seniors, their caregivers and adults with disabilities to the programs and services they need to remain independent and active in their community. For details about the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services.