Distribution of vouchers to seniors citizens for the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program has begun.

The program provides eligible seniors with vouchers to buy fruits and vegetables grown in Pennsylvania from participating farm markets.

In Butler County, there will be 32 sites to pick up the vouchers. The sites will be staffed by representatives of the Butler County Area Agency on Aging, which is responsible for distributing the vouchers in the county.

To be eligible for the program, a senior must be 60 or older, live in independent housing, and meet the financial eligibility criteria.

Seniors in a residential facility where meals are provided are not eligible for vouchers, according to a news release from the county area agency on aging.

Single seniors, having a gross annual income at or below $17,704 are eligible to receive $20 worth of vouchers. Married couples, both over 60, with a gross annual income at or below $23,736 are eligible for $40 worth of vouchers.

Seniors will provide eligibility information through self-declaration therefore no documentation is necessary. Proof of age must be provided.

Homebound seniors may send someone to a site to pick up their vouchers. That person must know the senior's required eligibility information: age, residency, and gross annual income.

That designated person may only pick up vouchers for a maximum of two seniors.

Vouchers will be distributed on a first come, first served basis as long as supplies last, according to the news release.

The schedule for distribution of the vouchers is in the agency's monthly newsletter, at any senior community centers; or on the county Web site, www.co.butler.pa.us through the Agency on Aging quick click.

People can call the Area Agency on Aging at 724-282-3008 or toll free 888-367-2434 to request the list be mailed to them.

The program is

funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.