SFMNP - Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

Seniors that wish to take part must contact either their state agriculture department or their local Agency on Aging to apply. To qualify the applicant must be 60 or older and have an income that is less than 185 percent of the U.S. Poverty Guidelines. Seniors that are currently part of the CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program) or participate in SNAP do not need to complete an application to qualify. These individuals can contact their local benefits office to find out how to obtain their coupons.

Spreading the Wealth 

Each state and U.S. territory has the right to decide if they want to take part in the program. The SFMNP is available in most states and Puerto Rico, but not necessarily in all areas of each state. In some states, the coupons are only distributed within federally recognized Tribal communities. Colorado participated in the program in the past but has opted out since 2014. Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming do not take part at this time. 

The goal of the program is to aid both the development of local farmers' markets to help increase healthy food access in all communities as well as to help seniors in need of food and better nutrition. For this reason, the vouchers provided are valid within a specified area and are only on food produced within the borders of the state supplying the voucher. To coordinate the vouchers with the growing season, the program operates from May through October. All vouchers expire at the end of each year or become unusable once local products are no longer available. 

State SNAP and WIC offices offer similar programs in many states as well. These groups along with SFMNP also use part of their funding for nutrition education. Local communities manage this opportunity differently, but many provide free workshops and recipe cards and other printed materials that help the recipients learn how to prepare and preserve their fresh items so each participant can gain the most benefit from the produce they receive. 

It is estimated that approximately 840,000 seniors receive the SFMNP coupons each year with an average 85 percent redemption rate across the country. The rates vary in all regions, but local educational programs and advertising seem to help. Some states and communities are adding to the program by matching their allocated funds. This is something that many SNAP and WIC programs also offer as well.

With these programs, the participant receives a bonus when they use their vouchers so they can get additional free products while at the market. In some instances, the bonus doubles their benefit. Senior entertainment and educational programs held at farmers' markets have also been successful at encouraging elderly recipients to attend and learn more about the program.

One of the main reasons why so many people fail to participate in these programs is because of transportation and mobility issues. Almost one-third of the seniors that are labeled as food insecure are disabled, and many others are currently caring for grandchildren that are also at risk of nutritional deficiencies. Trying to reach these individuals and families and provide solutions that work for them is a continuous challenge. 

The federal government currently provides approximately $20 million from the annual Farm Bill for the SFMNP vouchers, and that amount is divided between all of the states participating in the program across the country. Each recipient receives between $20-$50 in benefits each year from the program. While the amount is small, the program is considered a success because it has increased senior participation in the market, provides the elderly with the opportunity to socialize and has helped thousands of farmers and markets to gain more revenue.