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Benefits & Programs

Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program: Help Buying Fresh Produce

The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program gives older adults with limited income coupons for fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs from local farmers. Here is how it works and how to apply.

By the Bonivitas editorial team

Updated

2-minute read

Colorful fruit and vegetable stalls at a busy outdoor farmers market
Coupons from the program can be used for fresh produce at participating markets and stands. Photo: Pexels

Key takeaways

  • The program provides coupons or vouchers for fresh produce at participating farmers markets, stands and community-supported agriculture programs.
  • It serves people 60 and older with household incomes at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.
  • Benefits are seasonal, often available from early summer through fall, and supplies are limited.
  • Apply through your state agency or Area Agency on Aging, usually in spring.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are important for health, but they can be expensive. The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, or SFMNP, helps older adults with limited incomes buy fresh, locally grown produce while supporting local farmers. It is funded by the US Department of Agriculture and run by state agencies and tribal governments in many parts of the country.

How it works

Eligible older adults receive coupons, vouchers or an electronic benefit to use at participating:

  • Farmers markets.
  • Roadside stands.
  • Community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs.

Benefits can be used for fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and, in some states, honey. The yearly benefit per person is modest, typically a few dozen dollars, and is set by each state. Benefits are usually available during the local growing season, often from early summer through fall.

Who qualifies

To qualify, you generally must:

  • Be 60 or older (55 or older in some tribal programs).
  • Have a household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.
  • Live in an area where the program operates.

Some states automatically qualify people who receive SNAP, SSI, Medicaid or other benefits. Not every state or county offers the program, and funding is limited, so benefits are often given on a first-come, first-served basis.

How to apply

  1. Find your state or local contact through the USDA's SFMNP contacts page, your Area Agency on Aging or by calling 211.
  2. Watch for the application period, which in many places opens in spring. Some states mail applications to past participants.
  3. Apply early. Programs may stop accepting applications once funds are committed.
  4. Get a list of participating markets and farmers when you receive your benefits, and note the dates by which benefits must be used.

Making the most of your benefits

  • Visit early in the day for the best selection.
  • Ask farmers which produce keeps well, and buy a mix of items to eat now and later.
  • Freeze extra fruits and vegetables for the winter. See freezer-friendly meals.
  • Ask farmers for cooking tips; many are happy to share.

Other programs that help with food

  • Commodity Supplemental Food Program: monthly food boxes for people 60 and older with low incomes, in participating areas.
  • Community and home-delivered meals. See our guide.
  • Food banks and pantries, some offering fresh produce. See smart grocery shopping on a fixed income.

Sources

We checked this guide against these sources. Figures change, so confirm current amounts with the source before you act.

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