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Business Digital - AI & Apps Lifestyle Technology

Humanizing AI: Making digital marketing relatable with AI

Even before the launch of ChatGPT in November last year, AI has been increasingly adopted to assist with digital marketing tasks, but 66% of consumers want more human involvement in the design and delivery of their online experience. In fact, 59% of businesses report that they see a reduction in revenue by using AI without human intervention.

 

By 2025, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is projected to replace 85 million jobs globally. AI in marketing was valued at $20.82 billion in 2022 and is expected to surpass $107.5 billion by 2028. Although AI is gaining popularity in marketing, less than 40% of companies see gains from it.

 

Well-directed AI tools can mimic a brand’s identity but cannot be relied upon to generate or direct it. Without human direction and adjustment, the AI output lacks insight, humor, and structural diversity. Human sensibilities are required to ensure high-quality and clear messaging and easy readability.

 

AI in marketing is a complimenting tool, not a human replacement.

“Just because you CAN automate doesn’t mean you SHOULD. If a company makes its decisions purely on AI, it can lead to serious consequences,” says Derek Chew, CEO of Fullmoon Digital.

 

He believes that although AI helps analyze and predict customer behavior, personalize content, and optimize advertising campaigns, it lacks creativity, subjective thinking, and conscious thought, and relying too heavily on AI can lead to plagiarism, inaccuracies, and content that lacks emotional intelligence.

 

Chew affirms businesses need to look for uniquely tailored marketing processes for each client emphasizing the importance of effective communication and consistent collaboration. Even Google’s latest algorithm, the Helpful Content Update is designed to reward human-generated content that delivers valuable and useful information.

 

Derek Chew, CEO of Fullmoon Digital, can speak on the following:

  • Why is human creativity and decision-making important to enhance the effectiveness of AI in marketing?
  • Why is it necessary to have a personalized marketing strategy along with AI?
  • How will the increasing sophistication of AI impact job roles in the marketing industry, and what steps can marketing professionals take to prepare for these changes?
  • What businesses may be adversely affected if they continue to depend on AI more without human intervention?
  • How can digital marketers best cater to the evolving needs of their customers to ensure that their clients feel valued?

 

About Fullmoon Digital

Fullmoon Digital, founded by Derek Chew, a former early Yahoo! employee, is one of the few 100% independent digital marketing agencies in the United States. The firm is cross-functional, with deep experience in media planning and buying, digital consultancy, SEO, digital strategy, programmatic, analytics, performance marketing, paid media, social advertising, and creative. They push the envelope of what is possible in terms of marketing and technology, all the while providing best-in-class digital marketing service to their “pack” of clients. For more information, please visit www.fullmoondigital.com.

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Culture Economics Lifestyle Local News Programs & Events

Expanded Rt. 130 Connection bus service recently takes effect

More local residents will be able to reach more job sites beginning Monday, June 12, under an expanded Route 130 Connection bus service provided by Mercer County and the Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association, County Executive Brian M. Hughes announced.

 

Mercer County has designated $710,000 from its American Rescue Plan Act allocation to fund this two-year expansion of the Route 130 Connection, which provides bus service between the Trenton Transit Center and the N.J. Turnpike Exit 8A warehouse area in Monroe and South Brunswick, with stops in Hamilton, East Windsor and Hightstown, and at Mercer County Community College’s West Windsor campus. The fare is $1 each way per passenger. The Route 130 Connection is funded primarily through an annual NJ Transit grant and Mercer County funds, and administered by the Greater Mercer TMA.

Mr. Hughes noted that many new entry-level jobs are located in suburban areas, and that low-income individuals may have difficulty accessing these jobs.

 

“We’re pleased to be able to connect more people to employment opportunities by adding bus stops to the Route 130 Connection and providing additional service times to accommodate more people, such as those working evening or late-night shifts,” he said.

“I thank the Greater Mercer TMA for its support of this initiative and the important work it does every day to improve mobility for our residents and assist our business community.”

“Removing barriers to employment is critical,” said Cheryl Kastrenakes, Executive Director of the Greater Mercer TMA.

“One barrier is the lack of transportation to jobs at suburban sites and warehouse locations. Mercer County has been helping to address this transportation barrier with the Route 130 Connection bus and has stepped up again to meet a growing need for more service with this latest expansion. We applaud the County for making transportation access a priority.”

This expansion will serve the existing warehouse bus route, while adding stops at UPS, Wakefern and those employers located on Hightstown-Cranbury Station Road and Station Road, such as Wayfair and Amazon Cranbury.  The drive time is expected to take a maximum of one hour from the Trenton Transit Center to Wakefern in Monroe at the end of the route, but could take less time based on the number of stops on that particular run and time of day.

For more information on the Route 130 Connection, as well as other county and community bus services, visit https://gmtma.org/mercer-county-bus-service/

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Art & Life Business Culture Foodies/Tastylicious International & World Lifestyle Travel & Leisure

Vilnius invites foodies to Pink Soup Fest amid its gastro ecosystem’s significant ranking in La Liste

The gastro scene in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is peaking—two of its fine dining restaurants, Džiaugsmas and Nineteen18, have been named among the top restaurants in the world in 2023 by the prestigious La Liste guide. The selected restaurants are the first ones in Lithuania and two of five restaurants in the Baltic countries to make the list.

 

La Liste ranking lists the world’s best restaurants based on trusted reviews of the restaurants in local guidebooks and publications and customer ratings. The best-voted Vilnius’ restaurants reflect Lithuanian chefs’ respect for seasonal ingredients and passion for reimagining old recipes to delight modern tastes.

 

Nineteen18 and Džiaugsmas that have made the list blend haute cuisine with traditional recipes stemming from the country’s farmland roots. Besides the fine dining, Vilnius is also all over celebrating the national gastro heritage, which is why the capital is hosting Pink Soup Fest, a festival for the iconic cold beetroot soup, on June 10th.

 

Džiaugsmas, set up in the heart of the city, offers flavor-bursting treats from fresh, organic, and locally grown produce. Martynas Praškevičius, one of the country’s top-ranking chefs, is committed to adapting the menu to best highlight seasonal Lithuanian delicacies.

 

Nineteen18, an intimate restaurant nestled in the historical food court Senators’ Passage, celebrates local gastro heritage with an innovative tasting menu. The ingredients that come from farms nearby into the hands of a seasoned chef Andrius Kubilius are put in the spotlight through preservation techniques like fermentation and pickling—one of the key food trends this year.

 

The two fine dining restaurants in Vilnius that have been included in the prestigious La Liste ranking, lists the top 1000 restaurants around the world. This recognition further establishes Vilnius as the foodies’ hub that hides unique gastro experiences.

 

Celebrating national gastro pride

Just recently, Vilnius’ thriving gastro ecosystem that fuses multicultural flavors with beloved Lithuanian tastes has been given an honorary gift for all of its achievements—three real stars in the constellation Fornax. At the same time, Vilnius offers its residents and visitors the chance to explore historical cuisine recreated specifically for its 700th anniversary year. Several of the capital’s restaurants invite the foodies on a journey to Vilnius’ past, enticing them with dishes like bread soup or Jerusalem kugel and the stories surrounding them.

 

On June 10th when Vilnius celebrates one of its most iconic dishes of Lithuanian cuisine—cold beetroot soup,  Pink Soup Fest will tease the festivalgoers with multiple variations of the brightly-colored dish.  They will urge everyone to partake in an activity as wild as the dish itself—dress up like soup’s ingredients and slide down the Bastion hill straight into an artificial bowl.

 

There are many variations of the recipe—with yogurt, quail eggs, or sparkling mineral water. However, the one that packs a punch follows a fail-safe classic recipe: marinated beetroots, grated cucumbers, hard-boiled eggs, diced dills and spring onions, kefir, and a dash of salt are combined together in a bowl. Best served cold with a side of hot potatoes.

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Business Foodies/Tastylicious Government Healthcare Lifestyle Local News

Nature’s Energy issues allergy alert on undeclared milk in Children’s Chewable Colostrum products

Nature’s Energy of Pleasant Grove, Utah, has voluntarily recalled Children’s Chewable Colostrum because it may contain undeclared milk allergen.

 

People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

 

Nature’s Energy Children’s Chewable Colostrum products sold online at www.naturesenergy.comExternal Link Disclaimer and www.amazon.comExternal Link Disclaimer

 

The following products are being recalled Childrens Chewable Colostrum Berry, Chocolate and Orange Creamsicle flavors. 180 count.

  • Berry Chewables, 180 count, UPC 804879183945 GTIN 860008676979, LOT # 660, Best By 02/24 and LOT # 694, Best By 12/24.
  • Chocolate Chewables, 180 count, UPC 804879183952 GTIN 860008676986, LOT # 661, Best By 02/24 and LOT # 695, Best By 12/24.
  • Orange Creamsicle Chewables, 180 count, UPC 804879183969 GTIN 860008676993, LOT # 634, Best By 08/23, and LOT # 693, Best By 12/24.

 

No illnesses or deaths have been reported to date in connection with these products.

 

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the Colostrum containing product was distributed in packaging that did not indicate the presence of milk proteins.

 

Customers with a milk allergy or sensitivity who have purchased the affected product are urged not to consume the product and dispose of it or return it to their place of purchase for a full refund.

 

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 801-785-2304 or send email to admin@naturesenergy.us from 8am-4pm MT, Monday-Thursday.

 

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

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Business Culture Lifestyle Regulations & Security Science Technology

Navigating the jeopardy of board governance with cutting-edge AI solutions

Only 18% of board members find their organization’s disaster response and contingency planning to be highly effective.

 

95% of CEOs expect cybersecurity threats to affect their organization’s growth in the coming years, with the average cybersecurity breach in the U.S. already costing more than $9 million.

 

With economic uncertainty and cybersecurity risk on the rise, boards are under more scrutiny than ever. Companies need to shift their focus to prioritize internal corporate governance and ensure effective business processes.

 

“The sustainability of board governance is in jeopardy. The solution is to incorporate AI-driven board portal software into corporate board processes,” says Marion Lewis, Co-Founder and CEO of Govenda, an innovative board management SaaS developer, who has launched their Artificial Board Intelligence Innovation called ‘Gabii’, to address digital transformation and keep organizations sustainable.

 

Lewis believes digital communication between board members and committees worked in the past, with boards finding the landscape more unsettled than at any time in the last 50 years. Rapid and constant digital transformation raises fears that they will not be able to pivot in response to needed change, putting the boards—and their organizations—at risk.

 

AI-based ‘Gabii’ will facilitate decision-making through a fast presentation of real-time data and ensure compliance from anywhere in the world, using customers’ data without compromising security:

  • Blockchain technology provides an additional layer of security for board materials.
  • Administrative tasks like creating meetings, managing committee members, and tracking RSVPs will help in reducing the need to perform tedious, repetitive tasks.
  • With faster access to relevant information, board professionals and directors can make more informed decisions.
  • ‘Gabii’ supports voice accessibility, by answering questions to help complete tasks.

 

Lewis notes that U.S. board members face challenges without AI, including limited real-time information access and the inability to spot patterns in large data sets or automate decision-making, emphasizing that companies that invest in AI technologies could increase profitability by an average of 38% by 2035.

 

Marion Lewis, Co-Founder and CEO of Govenda can speak on the following:

  • Why must organizations leverage the use of AI in the advancement of digital transformation?
  • How can AI integration in corporate governance ensure that disaster response and contingency planning are effective in the face of digital disruption?
  • Why has AI integration been missing in corporate governance systems till today?
  • What role can AI-driven board portal software play in improving corporate governance practices, decision-making, and managing risks associated with digital transformation?

 

About Govenda

Marion Lewis and Jeanette Thomas, two results-driven entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists, and business community leaders co-founded Govenda. Govenda is reimagining how board of directors convene to provide intentional, strategic governance ─ by being the bridge between the boardroom and a company’s strategic goals. The board management software accelerates stakeholder governance as a force for good in the world and empowers organizations to create sustainable value by equipping stakeholders with innovative tools that transform practices. It was designed to magnify security and compliance as board tools to handle sensitive and confidential information crucial to compliance and control of proprietary data. Portability of access with enhanced collaboration is no longer a plus – it is essential. GABII, the Govenda product integrating its AI-driven portal tools with Microsoft 365 and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software streamlines workflows and improves efficiency. For more information on the most innovative platform in board governance visit www.Govenda.com

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Art & Life Business Culture Lifestyle

DOM, Houston-based music artist talks about upcoming single, ‘SDA’

HOUSTON, Texas — Singer, producer, and rapper, DOM is the alter ego of Houston, Texas based music artist Dominique Side. She is known for her fierce female voice and unstoppable boss energy. Co-owner of VgnBae Music Group, she is also a serial entrepreneur, and vegan fashion/lifestyle influencer.

 

Born originally in Biloxi, Mississippi, Dominique had been a part of several R&B groups until forming VgnBae Music Group in 2019. After producing and singing on different projects at their studios, in 2021 she stepped into the spotlight, releasing music as the force named DOM. Her first EP “IRL” was received as a sonic blast dripping with bad b*tch magic.

 

“IRL” was a full concept album following the journey of a woman pushed to the edge by a cheating partner. Called “deliciously deranged” and a “dark and sexy rollercoaster ride,” it was streamed hundreds of thousands of times across platforms and accompanied by a visual series. Songs from “IRL” were featured on the radio, soundtracks, and at fashion retail stores.

 

Dominique has stayed busy in the 2 years since her last release came out creating her own luxury vegan clothing line and working on numerous projects with artists at VgnBae Music Group. Returning to the studio, in May 2023, DOM delivered a new single titled “SDA.” Featuring fellow Texas flow queen Erica Banks, it’s a red hot ass-shaking anthem that she released on May 26.

 

Leaving no doubt, this new track from DOM shows her boss attitude is still in top form. Her latest single, abbreviated from “shake dat ass”, is a raunchy banger. Giving fans a mouthwatering taste of DOM’s contagious songwriting and versatility in hip-hop and rap, it’s an undeniable audio feast. Continuing her uncompromising views on female empowerment of sexuality and success, DOM’s appetite appears to be insatiable and a radio edit of “SDA” is available. 

 

With a brand new EP on the way this year, she is making good on her promise that when it comes to her music, “one thing people can expect from me as an artist is authenticity.”

Categories
Business Culture Digital - AI & Apps Lifestyle Science Technology

How businesses can use AI tools to gain a competitive edge in digital marketing

AI is evolving quickly. Media buzz claims that the new ChatGPT tool is ready to replace copywriters and take over the world of digital marketing. Derek Chew, CEO of Fullmoon Digital Media, clarifies AI’s role in digital marketing, including where it shines and where it falls flat.

 

WINDERMERE, Fla.  – Recently, the Pew Research Center surveyed 11,004 U.S. adults to measure their awareness of the presence of AI technology in their day-to-day lives.

 

Over the past 15 years, artificial intelligence (AI) has become such a fixture in everyone’s daily activities that many people are unaware of how often they are actually interacting with it.

 

From GPS traffic updates, fitness watches, banking, and personalized online shopping experiences, 30% of Americans were considered to have a high level of awareness, 38% had a medium level, and 31% were not as conscious of just how much they interact with AI on a daily basis.(1)

 

The AI-powered Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT), a next-generation natural language processing tool launched in November 2022, has been promoted as a time- and labor-saving device for writing and research from school papers to multimedia applications. It is also demonstrating its usefulness in digital marketing.

 

But could AI simply replace people and take control of the digital marketing profession? Derek Chew, CEO of Fullmoon Digital, explains that AI is a powerful tool — but only truly effective when combined with human expertise.

 

Chew clarifies, “The performance of AI tools relies on access to large sets of data to learn from. The current evolution of AI can perform writing and optimizing tasks well if it has sufficient, targeted data and is prompted accurately. In that way, marketers can save time by employing AI effectively. But AI lacks the big-picture understanding, emotional intelligence, and insights to direct the process on its own.”

 

Even before the launch of ChatGPT, AI has been increasingly adopted to assist with digital marketing tasks. AI and machine learning can personalize websites, analyze and predict customer behavior to segment communications, deliver personalized content, and help optimize advertising campaigns.(2)

 

AI is also used to help generate web content, although its ability to do that effectively is limited by access to existing, relevant data on the subject. This makes it more effective for some topics than for others. Google’s latest algorithm, the Helpful Content Update, is designed to reward human-generated content that delivers valuable and useful information.(3)

 

The long-term use of AI in digital marketing depends on improvements in writing code, mimicking human speech, optimizing advertising tasks, streamlining customer service functions, and building websites.(4) The future-world potential of AI is wide open. Experts imagine everything from data-controlled serfdom to an idealized society where AI can supercharge health and fitness as well as reduce pollution. And with machines taking care of most of the work, people may even enjoy a universal basic wage, enabling them to realize their full human potential.(5)

 

In the meantime, AI is a real economic force with a viable role as a digital marketing tool. Marketers who ignore AI are missing out on time-saving data analysis, like managing informational relationships, measuring results, and using statistical models in predicting outcomes. Those who rely too heavily on AI run the risk of plagiarism, inaccuracies, and content that lacks emotional intelligence.(6)

 

AI systems are skilled at modeling natural speech and logistical analysis but are entirely incapable of creativity, subjective thinking, or conscious thought.(6) Without human direction and adjustment, the AI output lacks insight, humor, and structural diversity — the elements that inspire the emotional reactions that move people to engage and act.

 

“AI is a time-saving tool but not a replacement for skill and experience. There is buzz that ChatGPT will replace copywriters, but companies that relegate content creation and ad generation to AI will fall behind. The output is intelligent but not emotional; emotions, not just logic, fuel human decisions. Just because you CAN automate doesn’t mean you SHOULD,” says Chew.

 

A powerful example is brand identity, which is a projection of the core values of a business and comes across as the company’s personality. It is essential to developing loyalty in today’s marketplace.(7) Well-directed AI tools can mimic a brand’s identity but cannot be relied upon to generate or direct it.

 

Fullmoon Digital’s marketing process is uniquely tailored to each individual client. Developing a winning digital marketing program entails more than 1s and 0s; it requires effective communication, consistent collaboration, and hard work.

 

About Fullmoon Digital

Fullmoon Digital Media, founded by Derek Chew, a former early Yahoo! employee, is one of the few 100% independent digital marketing agencies in the United States. The firm is cross-functional with deep experience in media planning and buying, digital consultancy, SEO, digital strategy, programmatic, analytics, performance marketing, paid media, social advertising, and creative. They push the envelope of what is possible in terms of marketing and technology, all the while providing best-in-class digital marketing service to their “pack” of clients. For more information, please visit www.fullmoondigital.com.

 

Categories
Government Local News Politics

Mercer County Clerk announces June 6 Election update

TRENTON, N.J. — Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello would like to remind all eligible voters that sample ballots have been mailed out for the upcoming June 6 Primary Election.

It is important for all registered voters to be aware that certain voting locations have changed since the last election. The Board of Elections made this change in order to consolidate voting districts.

She instructs all constituents to carefully review their sample ballots to avoid any confusion or inconvenience on Election Day.

They should  find  designated voting location, as the County encourage residents to visit the Board of Elections website here.

Early voting will be held from June 2 to June 4: Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

No matter where you live in Mercer County, you can vote your specific ballot in person at any of our county’s seven designated in-person early voting locations.

Early voting sites for the primary are as follows:

  1. TRENTON – Trenton Fire Department – 244 Perry St., Trenton NJ 08618*
  2. HAMILTON – Colonial Fire Company – 801 Kuser Road, Hamilton NJ 08619*
  3. LAWRENCE – Mercer County Lawrence Library – 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence NJ 08648
  4. PENNINGTON – Pennington Fire Company – 120 Bromel Place, Pennington NJ 08534
  5. PRINCETON – Princeton Shopping Center – Unit #260, 301 N. Harrison St., Princeton NJ 08540
  6. EAST WINDSOR – Mercer County Hickory Corner Library – 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor NJ 08520
  7. EWING – Mercer County Office Park – 1440 Parkside Ave., Ewing, NJ 08638

 

Voted ballots for the June 6 primary may be returned to any drop box location within Mercer County by 8 p.m. on June 6. They also may be returned to the Mercer County Board of Elections, located at 930 Spruce St., Lawrence, by that same deadline. Or, if a voter wishes to return a ballot by mail, the postage is prepaid by Mercer County. Ballots can be tracked here, NJ DOS – Division of Elections – Track My Ballot (state.nj.us).  To request an absentee ballot, visit NJ DOS – Division of Elections – Vote-By-Mail (state.nj.us).

For more information, visit the Clerk’s Election page, or the New Jersey Department of State – Division of Elections – NJ Voter Information Portal, or call the County Clerk’s Election Office at 609-989-6495. For polling location questions, or to become a poll worker, you may contact the Mercer County Board of Elections Office at 609-989-6522.

Categories
Business Digital - AI & Apps Economics Lifestyle Perks Regulations & Security Technology

Google updates focus on the role of CRO in achieving impressive ROI

Google continuously modifies its algorithms to provide searchers with the most relevant content. In March 2023, Google rolled out its Core Update, which is one of the most significant updates in recent years. It continually adjusts its search engine ranking system and user interface, averaging 12 changes per day, keeping digital marketers on their toes.

 

This algorithm update by Google focuses on user experience and penalizes inadequate websites, meaning websites with low-quality duplicated, and irrelevant content, poor user experience, and slow navigation will have lower rankings. Moreover, with the increasing use of mobile devices for internet browsing, the update has strongly emphasized mobile optimization, resulting in penalization for websites that are not mobile-friendly. Experts say Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) is a powerful strategy that not only supports but also amplifies all marketing efforts.

 

“Marketing opportunities live in Conversion Rate Optimization more than uncasing an algorithm. Companies should constantly be working to improve the customer experience; this will never change, no matter what Google does. Digital marketing strategies that focus on the fundamentals of driving website traffic, improving conversion rate optimization, and delivering an outstanding customer experience will see steady market gains regardless of what changes Google makes to their algorithm,” says Derek Chew, CEO of Fullmoon Digital Marketing.

 

Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) is about employing strategies that steadily and systematically boost customer engagement with a website, such as clicking a banner ad, filling out a form, or subscribing to a newsletter, to increase the likelihood of repeat visits or business.

 

It helps businesses analyze and segment their users to direct them toward purchasing the products or services that would best cater to their requirements. This leads to an increase in repeat customers and a greater overall value per customer across the entire product experience.

 

While about 67% of companies globally don’t have a properly structured CRO strategy, it is important to note that businesses implementing CRO get an average ROI of 223%.

 

“In the wake of Google’s core updates, which prioritize user experience and relevance in search results, CRO has become even more important for digital marketing strategies. By improving the user experience and increasing conversions, businesses can improve their search engine rankings and increase their revenue and ROI,” notes Chew.

 

About Fullmoon Digital

Fullmoon Digital, founded by Derek Chew, a former early Yahoo! employee, is one of the few 100% independent digital marketing agencies in the United States. The firm is cross-functional, with deep experience in media planning and buying, digital consultancy, SEO, digital strategy, programmatic, analytics, performance marketing, paid media, social advertising, and creative. They push the envelope of what is possible in terms of marketing and technology, all the while providing best-in-class digital marketing service to their “pack” of clients. For more information, please visit www.fullmoondigital.com.

Categories
Culture Foodies/Tastylicious Government Healthcare Lifestyle Local News Perks Programs & Events

Mercer County ADRC opens applications for senior farmers’ market nutrition program

Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes announced that starting June 1, the Mercer County Office on Aging/Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) will accept applications for the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.

This program provides funding for the purchase of fresh, nutritious, unprepared foods like fruits, vegetables and herbs to low-income older adults.

“With foods provided from authorized farmers, the program not only helps increase the nutritional health of our communities, but also increases the demand for locally grown produce and boosts the income of farmers who produce and sell locally grown products,” Mr. Hughes said.

To qualify for this program, you must be able to verify that:

• You are 60 years of age or older
• You live in Mercer County
• Your income does not exceed $26,973 per year ($2,248 a month) if you are a single person or $36,482 per year ($3,041 a month) if you are a couple

Those eligible will receive $50 to spend for use at participating vendors at area farmers markets. Instead of paper vouchers that were distributed in previous years, older adults will now be assigned a QR code that will be easily accessible from their smartphones. Simply show the code (on a digital device or printed on paper from the Office on Aging/Aging & Disability Resource Connection) to the farm market vendor, who will scan it – that’s how easy the new QR codes are to use.

Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. When you receive your QR code, you also will get a listing of participating markets and vendors. If you are taking a trip to a market, make sure to call ahead, as market days may change due to weather and produce availability.

If you, a family member or friend could benefit from this program, please call the Office on Aging/Aging & Disability Resource Connection at 609-989-6661. For more information, or to apply, you may also email adrc@mercercounty.org, or kturek@mercercounty.org.

The Mercer County Office on Aging/Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) is the federally designated agency responsible for the assessment, development, and funding distribution of programs/services for those 60 years of age or older in Mercer County.