Get Fresh Local Produce for Free: Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program

If you’re 60 or older and living on a limited income, the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) can help you access fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs during the growing season. This isn’t food stamps or grocery store coupons—this program gives you vouchers or electronic benefits specifically to use at farmers markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs to buy fresh produce directly from local farmers.

The program does double duty: it improves nutrition for seniors who might otherwise struggle to afford fresh produce, and it provides financial support to local farmers and agricultural businesses. You get healthier food, farmers get income, and communities get stronger local food systems. It’s a simple idea that works remarkably well in practice.

The program operates in most U.S. states and territories through state agencies, which means the exact details—how much you receive, when and where you can use it, and how to apply—vary by location. But the core idea is consistent: eligible seniors receive benefits they can use to buy fresh, local produce during farmers market season.

Understanding How the Program Works

SFMNP is federally funded but administered by state agencies, typically state Departments of Agriculture or Departments on Aging. The federal government provides grants to states, and each state runs its own program within federal guidelines. That’s why the program looks different depending on where you live—your state has flexibility in how it designs and delivers benefits.

The benefit usually comes as paper vouchers or, in some states, an EBT-style card. Vouchers are distributed during farmers market season (typically late spring through fall) and can be used at authorized locations to purchase eligible fresh produce. The amount varies by state but often ranges from $20 to $50 for the entire season. That might not sound like much, but considering fresh produce prices at farmers markets, it can buy a significant amount of fruits and vegetables.

You can only buy certain items with SFMNP benefits: fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, fresh herbs, and honey. You can’t use benefits for processed or prepared foods, meat, dairy, baked goods, plants or seeds, or non-food items. The program focuses specifically on fresh, unprepared produce that grows locally.

You must shop at authorized vendors. Not every farmers market or farmstand accepts SFMNP benefits. Look for signs indicating they’re an authorized SFMNP vendor, or ask farmers market staff which vendors participate. Your state program should provide a list of participating markets and vendors.

Benefits usually expire at the end of the growing season. Most states issue vouchers that must be used by a certain date, typically in late fall (October or November). You can’t save them for next year, so it makes sense to use them regularly throughout the season rather than waiting until the last minute.

At a Glance: Program Essentials

Who Qualifies for the Program

To be eligible for SFMNP, you must meet two basic requirements: age and income.

Age Requirement: You must be at least 60 years old. Some states verify your age through government ID like a driver’s license or state ID card. Others may accept a Medicare card or birth certificate. Turning 60 means you’re eligible starting immediately—you don’t need to wait until your next birthday or any specific enrollment period if the program in your state has rolling enrollment.

Income Requirement: Your household income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines. This is the same income threshold used for several other federal nutrition programs.

For 2024, the 185% poverty guidelines work out to these annual income limits:

• One person household: $27,861
• Two person household: $37,814
• Three person household: $47,767
• Four person household: $57,720

These are gross income limits—income before taxes and deductions. If you or your household earns less than these amounts, you meet the income requirement.

Many states automatically enroll people already receiving certain benefits. If you’re receiving WIC benefits (for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children—some grandmother caregivers qualify), you may be automatically enrolled in SFMNP without needing to separately prove your income. Check with your state agency to see if automatic enrollment applies.

States can set their own additional priorities within federal guidelines. Some states prioritize seniors who are homebound, who live in underserved areas with limited access to fresh produce, or who have specific health conditions. If demand exceeds available funding (which happens in some states), these priority groups get served first.

What You Can Buy and Where

The program is specifically designed to connect seniors with fresh, locally grown produce, so the rules reflect that focus.

Eligible Items:

• Fresh fruits (apples, berries, peaches, melons, etc.)
• Fresh vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, squash, leafy greens, etc.)
• Fresh cut herbs (basil, cilantro, parsley, etc.)
• Honey

Note that “locally grown” is key—you’re buying directly from farmers in your region during the growing season.

What You Can’t Buy:

• Processed or prepared foods (canned goods, jams, salsas, dried fruits)
• Baked goods (bread, pies, even if made with local ingredients)
• Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, or dairy products
• Plants, seeds, or seedlings (even though they’ll grow food)
• Crafts, soaps, or other non-food items
• Food that’s been cooked or prepared (like ready-to-eat soups or salads)

The restriction to fresh, unprepared produce is intentional. The program aims to increase consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, which many seniors don’t get enough of due to cost.

Where to Shop:

SFMNP benefits can be used at three types of locations:

1. Farmers markets – Seasonal outdoor or indoor markets where multiple farmers sell their products
2. Roadside stands – Individual farm stands selling produce from that farm
3. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs – Subscription services where you receive regular boxes of produce from a local farm

Not all of these will be available in every area, and not all farmers markets or stands participate in SFMNP. Your state program provides a list of authorized vendors. Look for signage at markets indicating they accept SFMNP, and don’t hesitate to ask vendors if they’re enrolled.

How to Apply for SFMNP

Because the program is run by individual states, the application process varies. Here’s the general approach, but check with your state for specific instructions.

Step 1: Find Your State Program Contact

Visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website and look for SFMNP Program Contacts. You’ll find contact information for your state’s SFMNP office. This might be housed in the state Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, Department on Aging, or another agency.

You can also call local senior centers, Area Agencies on Aging, or local health departments—they can usually tell you who runs SFMNP in your area and how to apply.

Step 2: Determine When to Apply

Many states have a specific enrollment period, often in the spring before farmers market season begins. If you miss the enrollment window, you might have to wait until next year. Other states do rolling enrollment throughout the season, first-come-first-served until funding runs out.

Ask your state program when applications are accepted and when vouchers or benefits are distributed. Mark it on your calendar and plan to apply early—some states run out of funding before the season ends.

Step 3: Gather Documentation

You’ll need proof of age (driver’s license, state ID, birth certificate, or Medicare card) and proof of income. Income documentation can include:

• Social Security benefit statement
• SSI statement
• Pension or retirement account statements
• Pay stubs if you’re still working
• Tax return from the prior year
• Any other official documentation showing your household income

If you’re automatically enrolled because you receive WIC or another qualifying benefit, you might not need separate income documentation—check with your state.

Step 4: Complete the Application

Some states use a simple paper form you can mail in or drop off. Others have online applications. Some require you to apply in person at a distribution site or senior center. Follow your state’s specific process.

The application is typically short—name, address, date of birth, household size, income information, and possibly contact details for where you’d like to pick up vouchers.

Step 5: Receive Your Vouchers or Card

Once approved, you’ll get your benefits. This might be mailed to you, picked up at a local agency or senior center, or loaded onto an EBT-style card. The timing varies, but most states aim to get benefits into participants’ hands before or during early farmers market season.

Read any instructions carefully—they’ll explain what you can buy, where you can shop, when vouchers expire, and any other rules specific to your state.

Making the Most of Your SFMNP Benefits

The benefit amount might seem modest, but with a little planning you can maximize its value and impact on your health.

Shop early and often. Don’t wait until late in the season to use your vouchers. Farmers markets have the best selection and variety in mid-summer. Shopping regularly also helps you eat fresh produce throughout the season rather than in one big burst.

Ask farmers for recommendations. Don’t know how to prepare kohlrabi or what to do with a bunch of fresh herbs? Ask the farmer. Most are happy to suggest recipes or preparation tips. You might discover new vegetables you love.

Combine SFMNP with SNAP benefits if you have both. If you receive SNAP (food stamps), you can use those benefits at many of the same farmers markets. Some markets even offer matching programs that double the value of SNAP benefits for produce purchases. Using SFMNP vouchers plus SNAP benefits with a matching program can stretch your food budget significantly.

Look for senior nutrition programs that complement SFMNP. Many communities offer congregate meal programs or home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels) for seniors. SFMNP supplements these programs by providing fresh produce you can use to round out your diet.

Consider sharing transportation to markets. If getting to the farmers market is challenging, organize rides with friends, ask family for help, or check if your local Area Agency on Aging provides transportation to markets. Some senior centers organize group trips to farmers markets.

Don’t be shy about asking which vendors accept SFMNP. Market managers can point you to participating vendors. Most farmers who accept SFMNP advertise it with signs, but if you’re unsure, just ask.

Focus on nutrient-dense produce. Dark leafy greens, berries, tomatoes, peppers, and other colorful vegetables tend to pack the most nutritional value per dollar. These are often excellent choices for stretching your vouchers.

Health Benefits of Fresh Local Produce

SFMNP isn’t just about saving money—it’s about improving health outcomes for seniors. Research shows that participants in the program increase their consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, which has real health benefits.

Fresh produce provides vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytonutrients that are essential for healthy aging. Seniors who eat more fruits and vegetables tend to have better cardiovascular health, lower rates of certain cancers, better digestive health, and improved overall wellbeing.

Local produce from farmers markets is often picked at peak ripeness, meaning it has better flavor and potentially higher nutrient content than produce that’s been shipped long distances and stored for extended periods. When food tastes better, you’re more likely to eat it.

The social aspect of farmers markets can also benefit seniors. Getting out to the market, interacting with farmers and other shoppers, and being part of the community has mental health benefits that go beyond just the food itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my state participate in SFMNP? Currently, SFMNP operates in most U.S. states and territories. However, a few states don’t currently participate due to state budget decisions or other factors. Check the USDA website for the current list of participating states, or contact your state Department of Agriculture.

What if I’m 60 but still working? You can still participate as long as your household income falls below 185% of poverty guidelines. Working doesn’t automatically disqualify you—it’s all about your total income.

Can I give my vouchers to someone else to shop for me? This depends on your state’s rules. Some states allow a designated person (like a family member or caregiver) to shop on your behalf if you can’t get to the market yourself. Others require the participant to be present. Ask your state program about their policy.

What happens to unused vouchers? In most states, vouchers expire at the end of the season and cannot be carried over to next year. Use them before they expire, or you lose the benefit.

Can I use SFMNP benefits and SNAP benefits for the same purchase? Yes. If you receive both programs, you can use them together. For example, if your purchase is $30 and you have $20 in SFMNP vouchers, you might use all your SFMNP vouchers and pay the remaining $10 with SNAP or cash.

What if there’s no farmers market near me? Check if any roadside stands or CSA programs in your area accept SFMNP. If truly no vendors are accessible to you, talk to your state program—in some cases they may be able to make special arrangements or suggest alternatives.

Do I need to reapply every year? Yes. SFMNP is not an automatic renewal program. You need to apply each year during your state’s application period to receive that season’s benefits.

Getting Started with SFMNP

If you think you might qualify for the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, don’t wait. The program can only serve a limited number of people each year based on available funding, and many states operate on a first-come, first-served basis once priority groups are enrolled.

First, verify that your state participates in the program. Visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website or call your state Department of Agriculture or Department on Aging to confirm participation and get current program information.

Second, find out when the application period opens in your state. Some states begin enrolling in early spring, well before farmers market season starts. Others enroll throughout the season. Knowing the timing helps ensure you don’t miss the window.

Third, gather the documentation you’ll need: proof of age and proof of income. Having these ready when the application period opens means you can apply immediately.

Fourth, complete your application as soon as possible once the period opens. Early applicants are most likely to receive benefits, especially in states where demand exceeds funding.

Finally, once you receive your vouchers or card, find your participating farmers markets and vendors. Plan to visit regularly throughout the growing season to take full advantage of the program.

For complete information, contact your state’s SFMNP office or visit the official USDA program page: https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfmnp/senior-farmers-market-nutrition-program

The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is a valuable resource that helps seniors eat healthier while supporting local agriculture. If you qualify, it’s an opportunity to add fresh, delicious produce to your diet at no cost to you. Apply as soon as your state’s enrollment opens and enjoy the benefits of local farmers markets all season long.