In The Valley

Northampton County Condemns Severe Cuts to Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program: Voucher Distribution Delayed and Reduced Due to Federal Shortfall



[Northampton County, PA] – Northampton County officials are expressing deep concern and disappointment following a significant and unexpected funding reduction to the 2025 Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), a vital service that provides low-income older adults with access to fresh, nutritious, locally grown produce. 

Despite Congressional appropriation of funds for this nationally respected program, the federal government has only delivered a fraction of what was promised. As a result, Pennsylvania’s Department of Agriculture has slashed the number of available vouchers statewide, and counties—already grappling with an initial reduction—are now forced to absorb an even more devastating cut. 

Northampton County was originally scheduled to receive 3,000 voucher booklets. That number has now been cut to just 2,265, a 25% reduction from an already diminished total. Each booklet consists of five $5 vouchers, amounting to $25 in fresh food purchasing power per eligible recipient. This reduction means hundreds of seniors in our community will simply go without. 

“This is not just a delay or a logistical inconvenience; this is a blow to the dignity, health, and well-being of our older residents,” said Lamont G. McClure, Northampton County Executive. “To take a program that has already experienced funding cuts and then effectively gut it is unconscionable. These are not luxury benefits, this is about helping older adults put fresh produce on their tables in the summer months.” 

In addition to the reduced number of vouchers, the distribution has been delayed by up to two weeks due to the need for repackaging the revised allotments at the state level. This has further strained the capacity of county aging offices already working at full steam to support vulnerable residents. 

The SFMNP is often a lifeline for older adults living on fixed incomes. The modest $25 provided through the program can mean consistent access to farm-fresh fruits and vegetables during the growing season—food that many cannot otherwise afford. The sudden reduction in this support will have very real consequences for the health of Northampton County seniors. 

“We see firsthand how meaningful this program is. We see seniors carefully budgeting their vouchers, planning trips to the market, and talking about the difference it makes,” said County Executive Lamont G. McClure. “To see the rug pulled out from under them in this way is nothing short of heartbreaking.” 

2025 Voucher Distribution Schedule 

  • June 18
  • 8:30 – 10:30 AM: Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley – 520 E. 4th St., Bethlehem
  • 12:30 – 2:00 PM: Cherryville Senior Community Center – 4131 Lehigh Dr., Cherryville

 

  • June 24
  • 12:00 – 2:00 PM: Slate Belt Senior Community Center – 707 American Bangor Rd., Bangor

 

  • June 25
  • 9:30 – 11:00 AM: Nazareth Senior Community Center – 15 S. Wood St., Nazareth

 

  • June 26
  • 9:00 – 10:30 AM: Easton Area Community Center – 901 Washington St., Easton
  • 12:30 – 2:00 PM: Saucon Valley Senior Community Center – 323 Northampton St., Hellertown

 

  • June 27
  • 8:30 – 10:30 AM: Rooney Senior Community Center – 4 E. Fourth St., Bethlehem

 

  • June 30
  • 12:30 – 2:00 PM: Lower Nazareth Senior Community Center – 306 Butztown Rd., Bethlehem

 

  • July 1
  • 10:00 – 12:00 PM: Park Plaza Senior Community Center – 1800 Sullivan Trail, Easton

 

  • July 2
  • 9:30 – 11:00 AM: Northampton Senior Community Center – 902 Lincoln Ave., Northampton
  • 12:30 – 2:00 PM: Cherryville Senior Community Center – 4131 Lehigh Dr., Cherryville

 

  • July 7
  • 12:00 – 2:00 PM: Slate Belt Senior Community Center – 707 American Bangor Rd., Bangor

 

  • July 8
  • 9:00 – 11:00 AM: Park Plaza Senior Community Center – 1800 Sullivan Trail, Easton

 

  • July 10
  • 9:30 – 10:30 AM: Saucon Valley Senior Community Center – 323 Northampton St., Hellertown

 

  • July 11
  • 12:00 – 2:00 PM: Old York Road Senior Community Center – 720 Old York Rd., Bethlehem

Vouchers will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible residents must be aged 60 or older and meet income guidelines. Proof of age and residency is required at the time of pick-up. 

Residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the Northampton County Area Agency on Aging at (610) 829-4540.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
County of Northampton
669 Washington Street
Easton, PA 18042
https://www.northamptoncounty.org/