Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

Objective

The purposes of the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) are to: (1) provide resources in the form of fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs from farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture (CSA) programs to low-income seniors; (2) increase the domestic consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding or aiding in the expansion of domestic farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and CSAs; and (3) develop or aid in the development of new and additional farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and CSAs.

Who Can Apply

• Department or Agency of a U.S. State Government
• Department or Agency of a U.S. Territorial Government
• Federally Recognized Indian/Native American/Alaska Native Tribal Government

State agency means any of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, and federally recognized Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs). State agencies may include State Agriculture Departments, Agencies on Aging, or Health Departments, and ITOs. Local agencies are nonprofit entities or local government agencies that certify eligible participants, issue SFMNP food benefits, arrange for distribution of eligible foods through CSA) programs, and/or provide nutrition education. Each State agency desiring to administer the SFMNP must annually submit a State Plan of Operations and enter into a written agreement with FNS for the program’s administration in the State agency’s jurisdiction. New State agencies are selected based on the availability of funds after prior year grant levels for currently participating State agencies have been met. Participating State agencies select local agencies based on the concentration of eligible senior participants and access to farmers' markets.

Who Benefits

• Senior Citizen (65+)
• Adult (20 to 64)

Persons eligible for the program are income eligible seniors, generally defined as individuals who are at least 60 years old and 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. Some State agencies accept proof of participation or enrollment in another means-tested program, such as the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), for SFMNP eligibility. Individual participants apply for SFMNP benefits at authorized SFMNP local agencies.

Assistance Types

• Grant

Program Contact

maryrose.conroy@usda.gov
7033052746