The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) gives coupons to low-income older adults to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and other foods. You can use these coupons at farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs (CSAs). Many farmers’ markets accept SFMNP coupon booklets, but not all do.

If you qualify for SFMNP, you can get $20 to $50 each year to buy fresh food. The amount depends on where you live. Some places may add extra money from local or state programs.

Get started today by contacting your local agency office.

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What is the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program?

The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) helps older adults with low income buy fresh, healthy food. It is funded by the Farm Bill and run by state agencies like health departments and Councils on Aging.

Each year, SFMNP provides coupons to over 800,000 older adults. You can use these coupons to buy fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey from farmers' markets, roadside stands, and local farms. There are certain foods you cannot buy with SFMNP coupons, such as dried fruits or vegetables, nuts, and potted or dried herbs. SFMNP also offers nutrition education to help seniors learn how to choose, store, and prepare fresh food.

SFMNP has a small number of coupon booklets to offer each year. So, the coupon booklets are available on a first-come, first-served basis to those who meet the program rules.

Note: Not every state offers SFMNP. The program is optional, and some states choose not to participate. In states that do offer it, availability may be limited to certain areas.

Is the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program the same as SNAP?

No, SFMNP is not the same as SNAP. While both programs help eligible older adults afford healthier food, each is funded and run separately.

SFMNP is meant to supplement SNAP and other food assistance programs. If you qualify, you can use these programs together to stretch your grocery budget further.

Who qualifies for the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program?

You can get help from the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program if you are 60 or older and have limited income. Your household income cannot exceed 185% of the federal poverty guidelines.

In some states, you can qualify for this program if you already get benefits from programs such as:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Commodity Supplemental Food Program
• The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

To receive SFMNP coupons, you must show proof you are enrolled in another means-tested program.

Does my local farmers’ market accept SFMNP coupons?

Check with the market directly to see if they participate in SFMNP.

You can also go to the USDA Local Foods Directory and search for farmers’ markets in your area. On each search result that appears, click the “Details” button. Then, check under “Accepted Food and Nutrition Assistance Programs” on that market’s details page. It will say Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program if the market accepts SFMNP coupons.

How can I get help from this program?

You can also check the USDA’s state agency contact map.

If your state does offer SFMNP, reach out to the local agency that handles this program. If you qualify, they will tell you how to apply for coupons and find participating farmers’ markets near you.