Greater Erie Community Action Committee (GECAC) has received the vouchers from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for its senior farmers' market nutrition program after a short delay.

Older adults who meet income eligibility guidelines can receive some relief from food costs. The program is designed to help supplement the diets of low-income seniors with fresh, nutritious produce while supporting Erie County’s local farmers.

New this year is an increase in the vouchers' value. Each senior will receive vouchers worth $50 to purchase fruit and vegetables.

GECAC will be distributing $187,500 worth of fruit and vegetables to 3,750 Erie County seniors while supplies last.

Here are the details:

Eligible seniors may receive vouchers through GECAC’s Erie County Area Agency on Aging distribution events that will be held throughout Erie County. Seniors are encouraged to attend the event closest to their home.

To be eligible, a senior must be an Erie County resident, 60 years of age or older in 2023, and meet the income guidelines. Income eligibility is based on the total household income and the number of people living in a household.

  • 1 person - $26,973 5 people - $65,009
  • 2 people - $36,482 6 people - $74,518
  • 3 people - $45,991 7 people - $84,027
  • 4 people - $55,500 8 people - $93,536

Eligible seniors will be asked to show proof of age and residency at the distribution site. Documents accepted are a driver’s license, PA ID, birth certificate, current utility bill, or another official mailing with an address. Seniors will not be required to show proof of income. Seniors may only receive vouchers one time in 2023.

Voucher Distribution Events:

Bayfront Convention Center
1 Sassafras Pier, Erie
July 21, 9 am to 4 pm

GECAC North East Sr. Center
50 E. Main St., North East
July 24, 9 am to 3 pm

GECAC Tri-Boro Sr. Center
7555 W. Ridge Rd., Fairview
July 24, 9 am to 3 pm

GECAC Northwestern Sr. Ctr.
9 Academy St., Albion
July 28, 9 am to 3 pm

GECAC Union City Sr. Center
27 Johnson St., Union City
July 28, 9 am to 3 pm

GECAC Corry Senior Center
25 S. First Ave., Corry
July 31, 9 am to 3 pm

Seniors may appoint a representative, known as a Proxy, to pick up their vouchers. Proxies must provide a completed application/proxy form and will be asked to show proof of ID for themselves and the seniors.

Forms for proxies can be found at gecac.org. To request applications by mail call GECAC’s Senior Helpline at 814-459-4581 ext. 400.