The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is a federally funded program administered by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries’ Farmers Market Authority Section. The SFMNP provides eligible seniors with a $30 benefit card to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from certified farmers at farmers markets and farm stands in the state of Alabama. This year’s program was launched in January and funds are still available. Market season is here and seniors who have applied should receive their benefit card later this month. A sample photo of what the card looks like is attached to this release.

The Benefit Card will replace the paper vouchers issued in the past. Seniors are encourage to keep this card in a safe place once it is received. Benefits will be loaded to this same card each year after an application is submitted, therefore, it is very important to keep the card.

The SFMNP provides eligible seniors with a $30 benefit card to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from certified farmers at farmers markets and farm stands in the state of Alabama. This program has limited funding and food benefits are available on a first come, first serve basis until available funds are committed. Seniors are encouraged to complete an application as soon as possible.

Eligibility:

• Age — Must be 60 years of age or older on the day of application , AND
• Income — Applicants’ gross household income must not exceed these limits:

$1,772 monthly … for a household of … 1

$2,396 monthly … for a household of … 2

Visit http://fma.alabama.gov/SeniorNutrition/ if there are more than 2 people in the household.

Applicants must apply online at http://fma.alabama.gov. Unfortunately, applications cannot be taken over the phone or by mail. If approved, a benefit card will be mailed to the address provided on the application. Applicants must reapply every year. However, it is important to keep the benefits card since new benefits will be loaded on the card each year after an application is received.

Benefits can be redeemed at State Sanctioned Farmers Markets, Farm Stands and U-Pick Operations for the purchase of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, honey and cut herbs from May through November 15, 2022 . Benefits can not be used at grocery stores or any location not listed on the redemption site.

For more information about the SFMNP, visit http://fma.alabama.gov or call 334-240-7247.