Cuts in produce vouchers to affect low-income seniors
LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Thousands of seniors statewide will soon be feeling the effects of federal budget cuts.
This time the cuts take aim at a program that helps low-income seniors get fresh produce.
Each summer, the senior farmers market nutrition program helps thousands of low-income seniors across the state.
Lackawanna County rating drops one point above junk bond
But cuts to the program are limiting the number of vouchers the program can give out.
In Lackawanna County alone, 38,000 farmers market vouchers were requested by the county's agency on aging, the agency in charge of distributing them.
But because of cuts to federal spending, they'll only be getting around 29,000.
'It really helps in your savings, but you want to help the farmer more-so than anything else,' said Denise Mehl, Scranton.
Under the State Department of Agriculture program, residents over 60 who fall within the program's income requirements are eligible to receive up to five $5 vouchers each to spend at local farmers markets.
Denise Mehl visits the Scranton farmers market regularly, and while not crucial to her budget, she says the vouchers help a lot.
More than anything though, she worries about the farmers, about 1,000 farms participate in the program state-wide.
'If we didn't have them we wouldn't have anything,' voiced Mehl.
According to the state department of agriculture, residents in Lackawanna County used these vouchers at a higher rate than any other county last year, over 90% of them were redeemed.
'It hurts people. It hurts the people that we serve here in Lackawanna County, those who need the help the most, and I just think that is really inhumane that they've done this,' expressed Bill Gaughan, county commissioner, Lackawanna County.
State officials say the Trump administration has only released part of the funding congress approved, forcing agencies to slash their distribution by more than 25%.
We reached out to GOP Congressman Rob Bresnahan for comment on the issue. He responded in-part:
'The recent decision to reduce benefits for the farmers market vouchers for seniors program was made at the state level. While I do not control those decisions, I am actively working at the federal level on a bipartisan bill to expand local food purchasing from our farmers to support those most in need. I look forward to announcing that legislation in the coming weeks.'
Rep. Bresnahan
Bresnahan says he and his team will be in contact with the Lackawanna County Agency on Aging to help ensure they receive the full funding and support they need for the program.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
YAHOO POLL: Do you agree with US defence chief's comparison of Donald Trump and Lee Kuan Yew?
In his address at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a leading security and defence forum focused on the Asia-Pacific, in Singapore on Saturday (31 May), US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth invoked comparisons between President Donald Trump's approach towards the Indo-Pacific and Singapore's founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew's well-known pragmatism, "shaped by a preference for engaging on the basis of commerce and sovereignty – not war". "These two historic men share a willingness to challenge old ways of doing things that no longer make sense. Under President Trump's leadership, we are applying this common sense approach here in the Indo-Pacific and throughout the world," he said. Other polls: YAHOO POLL: Do you support harsher punishments for animal abusers? YAHOO POLL: When in the day is best to take a shower? YAHOO POLL: Have you used an automated bot before? Hegseth was underlining the US' new approach in dealing with the rest of the world, where "America does not have or seek permanent enemies". "The United States is not interested in the moralistic and preachy approach to foreign policy of the past. We are not here to pressure other countries to embrace and adopt policies or ideologies. We are not here to preach to you about climate change or cultural issues. We are not here to impose our will on you," he said. Still, Hegseth called on Asian countries to increase their defence spending to match levels that the US expects of European allies, saying that they bear the brunt of the 'threat' of China and North Korea in their backyards. Do you agree with Hegseth's comparison of US President Donald Trump and Singapore's founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew's "common sense" approach? Related China says Hegseth is touting a Cold War mentality in calling the country a threat Top defense officials say Ukraine war has blurred lines, exposing global threats Did China take a back seat by not having its defence minister attend this year's Shangri-La Dialogue?
Yahoo
21 minutes ago
- Yahoo
25 Nude Nail Ideas for a Crisp, Clean Summer Manicure
Two things can be true: Summer is vibrant and colorful, and it's subtle and light. We love pulling out our bright neons to kick off the season, but leaning into nudes, like cotton candy and mocha, can bring some balance to our summer style. Whether you want to offer some contrast to your colorful 'fits, or you just prefer a more muted palette, nude nails make a clean, polished addition to your aesthetic during the hot months. And don't think that nude and simple are mutually exclusive. The color family can be minimal, but it can also be ornate, edgy, and whatever other vibe you might be feeling. From shimmery shades to abstract designs, here are 25 nude nail ideas for summer you should bookmark immediately! More power to the beauties who can do their own elaborate, intricate nail designs at home. But if you're not exactly an artist, try a simple nude base with star and stud crystals. The good thing about neutrals is that no one can tell if you paint a little outside the lines, making it foolproof. If you love the baroque era, this ornate manicure is right up your alley! The artist used a fine brush to create intricate white designs on a neutral base. This set is perfect for formal summer occasions, whether it be a wedding or an extravagant vacation. This light pinkmimics the color of your natural nail soft, sheer color is a great topcoat, or it can be worn as is for a clean, light mani. While this minimalistic style would look good on any nail length, we especially love the way it flatters a short, round shape. Another beginner-friendly option, these nude nails are trimmed in sparkly gold glitter. While simple, the manicure still has a little zhuzh! This is also a great alternative to traditional French tips, which require more precision. Consider this proof that nude hues can still have sparkle. For a slightly more dynamic manicure, opt for a sheer iridescent shade, like the one shown above. The light, elegant polish with fairy-like shimmer fits right in with the "Ethereal Girl" summer aesthetic. Nude nails are often very classic and minimal in design. And while we love an elegant mani, we also love an avant-garde, textured set like this one. Using various earth tones, the artist created a different design on each nail. Plus, the silver hardware adds some edge. Dark browns are a stunning nude, especially on melanin-rich skin tones. Here, the chocolate base is topped with beautiful glittery specks. It's giving sparkling desert sand in the best way possible. Feeling romantic? Combine your favorite nude shades for a marvelous marble effect. The streaks of white give the overall look a light, airy finish, while the various shades of brown create an earthy base. They may not be groundbreaking to Miranda Priestly, but we'll never tire of floral nails in the spring and summer! These nude almond-shaped nails feature white daisies, making for a cutesy and playful set. Follow the artist's lead with bare accent nails, or go all out with florals on each finger. A few coats of glitter polish are all you need to give a nude manicure a little personality. Start by prepping your nails with your favorite neutral tone. Then, as a final step, use a glittery top coat with your desired level of shine. Why settle for one nude when you can have three? The artist carefully curated three different shades to make a custom, complementary mix. These nudes are all pretty close in color, but don't be afraid to experiment with extreme darks and lights for a stronger contrast. There are no rules in nail art, which means we can turn blue skies peachy in an instant! These cloud-inspired nails are full of whimsy, but they're also fitting for everyday thanks to the earthy colors. The gold celestial stickers are the cherry on top. A DIY manicure you couldn't mess up if you tried, these nails feature a few clear coats and nail stickers. That's it! If you're a minimalist or nail art novice (or both), might we recommend this sweet starry set. The perfect shade of ballerina pink, these nails beautifully reflect the summer sun. Pair your favorite rosy polish with a sheer, glittery top coat to give a seasonal twist on the timeless look. Throw a little color in the mix with raised swirls of your favorite summer colors. Here, the artist used a mix of light pink and purple. A matte nude makes the color stand out all the more. Double flame-like designs over a shiny khaki base make for the ultimate abstract design. The gold chrome brings a luxe vibe to the set, while the dark green and pumpkin maintain the richness of the final look. Take it up a notch with chunky gold jewels! Nothing's sweeter than a box of chocolates, but these nude skittle nails come pretty close. We also appreciate how the colors are in order from darkest to lightest for an orderly, clean-cut aesthetic. Can't find a nude you love? This artist crafted her own, mixing several neutral shades until she concocted the perfect peach! We'd be remiss if we didn't mention the stunning length and precise almond shape. Caramel nails with textured pastel shapes make an artsy duo. If you don't have the steadiest hand, try geometric stickers so you can still achieve the raised effect. Precision is the key to pulling off this look! Everything about this negative space design is positively right! The mattified rose base is a clean backdrop for the white swirls to take center stage. Proof that unique designs can still feel neutral in the right color way. Another take on Skittle nails, these milky nudes are simply dreamy! Each shade can stand on its own, but they're more stunning together. The glitter accent nail adds a little razzle dazzle without throwing off the nude vibes. Whether you see clouds or lips, we can all agree that these mocha and white nails are pillowy soft and cute. Use a fine brush or dotting pen to achieve the curved edges. These square-shaped nails are kept minimal with sherbert tips and a nearly naked base. Little metallic stickers are all the color we need for this nude, no-fuss mani. Clean and elevated, this mani looks effortless. If you prefer something low-key and polished, consider a few coats of subtle pink. The soft shade with beige undertones makes the nails look natural and buffed. For this dynamic design, the artist alternated between a chocolate and cream polish to create a super minimal nude mani. The moderate length and rounded square shape give the nails an elevated, smart finish. Read the original article on Byrdie
Yahoo
23 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Trey Hendrickson predicted to lose contract standoff with Bengals
As written here consistently, barring a shocker, it has long felt like the Cincinnati Bengals will eventually emerge the "winners" of the contract standoff with star defensive end Trey Hendrickson. Those Bengals just happen to hold the vast majority of the leverage during this latest contract impasse with Hendrickson, despite the All-Pro's recent 20-plus minute airing of grievances at a team practice. Advertisement Despite this, Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated slots Hendrickson losing the standoff as one of his bold predictions for the season: "The alternative is to become Haason Reddick, which, for a player entering his age-31 season, cannot be appetizing. By taking the Bengals' reported current offer, Hendrickson can upgrade his salary by nearly $12 million and, while still being underpaid, improve upon his prospects for next offseason more by staying in Cincinnati than he could as a year-to-year mercenary for less on another roster." RELATED: Bengals UDFA is already turning heads at OTAs By now, Bengals fans know that isn't all that bold, though. This is merely the latest offseason dustup with Hendrickson over a contract. Past years have featured short one-year extensions and even reported threats of retirement. This offseason featured the Bengals actually granting him permission to seek a trade that never happened due to his age, production level, contract demands and trade asking price, to name a few factors. Advertisement Right now, Hendrickson is simply using every last bit of leverage he has left to make noise before the fines start to kick in during mandatory minicamp this month and training camp after that. He's extremely unlikely to actually miss games at his age with millions of dollars lost in fines while hurting his value with other teams. Hendrickson will likely wind up "losing' this affair in the form of a massive pay raise over the short-term, but just not for the exact number or years he and his reps seek. RELATED: Cincinnati Bengals players missing OTAs list ahead of training camp This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Trey Hendrickson predicted to lose contract standoff with Bengals
