The Middlefield Senior Center has applied for, and was approved, to distribute vouchers for the Farmers Market Nutrition Program with the Department of Agriculture. In Durham, Jan Muraca, director of senior and social services, is offering the same service.

Senior recipients receive $15 worth of vouchers that can be used at designated farmers' markets for the purchase of Connecticut-grown fresh fruits and vegetables. The center will be distributing these vouchers on Saturday, July 19, from 9 a.m. to noon, and Thursdays from 1 to 5 p.m., on July 24 and 31, to qualifying seniors in Middlefield.

Durham seniors can call Muraca at (860) 349-3153 or stop by her office on the first floor across from the tax collector's office during business hours. 

These vouchers not only help the seniors but also help local growers and producers, something that these towns must do in order to preserve what rural heritage is left.

All participants must have a maximum household income of not more than 185 percent of the annual poverty guidelines and must be 62 years of age or older. A single person's income can not exceed $19,240, a couple's income, $25,900.

Please bring in all forms of income (Social Security, pension, wages, interest, IRS filing -if applicable, IRA withdrawals) and proof of age.

Vouchers will be distributed at the Senior Center at 405 Main St. in Middlefield and can be used at over 100 farmers markets in the state, which will be listed on the vouchers. In Middlesex County that will be Clinton - Chamard Vineyards Farmers' Market, Deep River Farmers' Market, Durham Farmers' Market, Essex Farmers' Market and Middletown Farmers' Market.