Lunch Break Offers Voucher Program to Aid Seniors

Continuing its effort to provide area residents in need with fresh fruits and vegetables, Lunch Break has teamed up with the Department of Health and Senior Services to offer qualifying seniors vouchers to purchase produce at area farmers markets in Monmouth County.

Called the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, seniors older than 60 who fall under certain income requirements — or already receive food stamps — are provided with checks to use throughout the summer on fresh produce.

Lunch Break recently announced it participation as a sign-up site for the state program.

In recent weeks, the Red Bank food pantry, soup kitchen and social services provider has launched its own market of sorts. Called the , the "market," held every Tuesday morning, allows residents to come pick up fresh fruits and produce donated by local markets, farmers and even other residents with home gardens.

Though the Community Gardeners Market is free to all, it is currently only offered once a week. The voucher program, however, allows seniors to pick up produce at participating farmers markets, like Red Bank's, which is held every Sunday at the Galleria. 

To qualify, a senior must have an income of $20,665 or lower to qualify. A two-person family qualifies with an annual income of $27,991; three-person family $35,317; four-person family $42,643.

Applications are available now, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Aug. 20.

For questions please contact Toni or Sharda at Lunch Break, 732-747-8577.