The state’s top farmer Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding was among those visiting Centre County on Tuesday as he advocated for the benefits of local farmers markets, particularly for those who qualify for vouchers that can reduce the food cost.
The term ‘food insecurity’ has become a hot button topic when talking about assisting those in need, including people struggling to get a decent meal, or even some basic food items.
“We are seeing the numbers in the food insecurities rise more than they have in recent years. In fact, since 2023, a 50.5 percent increase in the number of folks who are food insecure in Pennsylvania.”
Ag Secretary Russell Redding was among those at the Boalsburg Farmers Market on Tuesday a busy day at a popular spot.
“We are also proud of the fact that for the past several years, we have been voted the best market in Centre County.”
Redding and other officials promoting the farmers market nutrition program that operates through the WIC program, a supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children.
The farmers market option provides cost saving vouchers for eligible low-income seniors and families.
“Farmers market vouchers provide more than just fresh fruits and vegetables; it creates access and a circle for our families. It helps bring our WIC participants home grown nutritious foods that may be out of reach for them.”
The farmers market nutrition program vouchers are always in big demand and are good from June until the end of November.