With great sadness, I inform you John S. Wheeler, M.D., 88 years of age and a resident of Hokendauqua, passed away peacefully Aug. 20 in his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Joyce M. (Schwenk) Wheeler for more than 60 years. Joyce is a Whitehall-Coplay Hunger Initiative board member. She and her family are in our thoughts and prayers.

From our friends at Buy Fresh Buy Local: August is peak season for Pennsylvania produce. Low-income members of our community can still increase their produce budget with Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers and Buy Fresh Buy Local-GLV’s Fresh Food Bucks program.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers will only be distributed through the end of September, so getting the word out about that is an especially high priority.

Vouchers can be used until Nov. 30. Last year, more than $150,000 in vouchers went unused. This year, people may need those food dollars more than ever.

Normally, senior vouchers are distributed at county senior centers. This year, due to COVID-19, vouchers will be distributed by mail. FMNP applications must be received by Sept. 23 for seniors to receive vouchers this year.

Here’s how it works: Low-income seniors and WIC parents get a series of $6 vouchers to spend on fresh, local produce at participating farmers markets, farm stands and mobile markets. Eligible seniors receive $24 in vouchers. WIC participants get vouchers at their WIC appointments and receive $24 in vouchers if pregnant, breastfeeding or postpartum, as well as $24 in vouchers for each child under the age of 5.

Also, for every $1 customers spent on grocery items with EBT/SNAP (food stamps) at participating locations, they get $1 worth of locally grown fruits and vegetables for free, up to $10 per day.

Fresh Food Bucks participant information can be found at tinyurl.com/yxolr38t. Northampton County and Lehigh County senior voucher distribution, participating locations and more can be found at tinyurl.com/yxpkxhsm or by calling 610-253-4190.