From June 1 through October 31, the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides benefits to lower-income older adults to purchase locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs.
Am I eligible for SFMNP benefits?
Washington residents aged 60 or older and Native Americans/Alaska Natives aged 55 or older with a monthly income below 185% of the federal poverty level are eligible for SFMNP benefits. Interested individuals must apply at local agencies before receiving SFMNP benefits each market season.
According to the website, to be eligible for this program, income limits are as follows:
- $2,322.00 Monthly Gross Income (or $27,864.00 Annually) for one person.
- $3,151.00 Monthly Gross Income (or $37,812.00 Annually) for two people.
- For larger households, an additional $829 is added for each extra person.
Where do I apply for SFMNP benefits?
Individuals eligible to receive SFMNP benefits must apply through their local area agencies on aging (AAAs). Contact information for your local Area Agency on Aging can be found at the following link: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/home-and-community-services/senior-farmers-market-nutrition-program.
When can I use my SFMNP benefits?
The SFMNP market season is from June 1 through October 31 each year.
Where can I use my SFMNP benefits?
Look for the “Farmers Market Benefits” sign at these participating farmers markets:
- The link for participating Western Washington Farmers Markets: Western Washington Farmers Markets
- The link for participating Eastern Washington Farmers Markets: Eastern Washington Farmers Markets
- The link for participating Farm Stores: Participating Farm Stores
How do I use SFMNP benefits?
- After eligible people apply, they will be presented with a Washington Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program benefit card
- Present your SFMNP benefit card to a participating vendor to purchase eligible produce and honey.
- Vendors will scan your card and participants will enter a PIN number to authorize purchases.
- Please note: Participants must apply to the program each year but do not need to call a card activation phone line– benefit cards do not require participant activation. Once an individual is issued benefits, cards will be activated by issuing agencies.
For more information, contact your local Area Agency on Aging (see link above) or visit the program website at Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
In addition to helping low-income seniors, this program (SFMNP) also supports local farming by increasing the use of farmers markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture. Produce is also purchased directly from farmers for delivery to older adults. This program is funded through a combination of federal grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the Farm Bill as well as state and local funding.
