The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) awards grants to states, U.S. Territories, and federally recognized Indian tribal governments to provide low-income seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for eligible foods (fruits, vegetables, honey, and fresh-cut herbs) at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture programs.
The purposes of the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program are to:
- Provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey from farmers’ markets, roadside stands and community supported agriculture programs to low income seniors; and
- Increase the consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding, developing, or aiding in the development and expansion of domestic farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and CSA programs.
Low-income seniors, generally defined as individuals who are at least 60 years old and who have household incomes of not more than 185 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines (published each year by the Department of Health and Human Services), are the targeted recipients of SFMNP benefits.
SFMNP benefits are provided to eligible recipients for use during the harvest season, which is generally May through October.
Some state agencies accept proof of participation or enrollment in another means-tested program, such as the Commodity Supplemental Food Program or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, for SFMNP eligibility.
The SFMNP is administered by state agencies such as your State Department of Agriculture or Agency on Aging. In Kentucky, the Department of Agriculture administers the program.
For more information, call 502-782-9241.
