Relief offered to cash-strapped older Americans

06.13.09
By Timothy Jones

These days families are responding to the ongoing economic crisis in a variety of ways, with many trying to get a grasp on their debt management.

One major concern for older Americans is how they will be able to live comfortably in their later years since much of their nest egg was wiped away when the stock market fell. This is forcing some to remain in the workforce longer than they anticipated.

In other more serious cases, older Americans are not only worried about living expenses throughout retirement, but how to afford groceries over the next few weeks.

Pennsylvania recently kicked off its Farmers Market Nutrition Program which provides four $20 vouchers to eligible older adults to be used on fresh local food purchases at farm markets and farm stands across the state.

"The program benefits all involved, including the individuals who purchase food, the farmers who produce it, and the communities they live in," said Pennsylvania secretary of agriculture Dennis Wolff.

Individuals 60 years of age or older as of December 31, 2009 with a total household income of less than $20, 036 as a single person may be eligible to participate.

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New programs help struggling older Americans