Low-Income Philadelphia Elderly Getting Fresh Produce Subsidies
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging today begins distributing food vouchers to eligible seniors to encourage them to get more fresh food into their diets.
Eligible older Philadelphians can each receive $20 in food vouchers from PCA to buy fresh fruits and vegetables.
According to Helen Cooke, PCA's assistant director for health and nutrition services, five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables each day provide important vitamins, minerals, and fiber that may help decrease the risk of chronic disease.
Cooke says the vouchers must be used at certified markets.
"When they get their checks, they get a list. And this year we have about 57 farmers' markets in Philadelphia, so that's really expanded since last year," she says.
To find out more, call the PCA's helpline at 215-765-9040.
Reported by Karin Phillips, KYW Newsradio 1060
