By Mike DeNardo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Area low-income seniors are eligible for vouchers to help them buy local fruits and veggies.

Dozens of seniors lined up today at the Reading Terminal Market, where the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging gave out vouchers that low-income people over age 60 can exchange for fresh, locally grown produce.

“They’re five-dollar vouchers.  Each individual will get four vouchers, so 20 dollars’ worth.  And they can cash them at any certified farmer’s market here in Philadelphia,” explains PCA’s nutrition manager, Susan Gibson.

Tony Maturi of Port Richmond couldn’t wait to buy “tomatoes, asparagus, peaches, oranges, apples — all different types.”

But remember, Tony, no oranges: only locally grown produce.

The program means more seniors are heading for the green “local” signs at Iovine’s produce stand in the Reading Terminal Market.

“They eat healthier, they shop more,” says owner Jimmy Iovine.  “They’re buying local produce.  It’s a farm program — it helps the farmers and it definitely helps us.”

The program is funded through the federal and state agriculture departments.

For more information on eligibility requirements, voucher locations, and participating vendors, call PCA at 215-765-9040 or go to pcacares.org.