The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) awards grants to States, United States Territories, and federally-recognized Indian tribal governments to provide low-income seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for eligible foods at farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs. The grant funds may be used only to support the costs of the foods that are provided under the SFMNP; no administrative funding is available.
What is the purpose of the SFMNP?
The purposes of the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program are to:
(1) Provide resources in the form of fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs from farmers' markets, roadside stands and community supported agriculture 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 community support agriculture programs, and
(3) Develop or aid in the development of new and additional farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community support agriculture programs.
Who is eligible for SFMNP benefits?
Low-income seniors, generally defined as individuals who are at least 60 years old and who have household incomes of not more than 185% of the federal poverty income guidelines (published each year by the Department of Health and Human Services), are the targeted recipients of SFMNP benefits. Some State agencies accept proof of participation or enrollment in another means-tested program, such as the Commodity Supplemental Food Program or the Food Stamp Program, for SFMNP eligibility.
When does the SFMNP operate?
SFMNP benefits are provided to eligible recipients for use during the harvest season. In some States, the SFMNP season is relatively short, because the growing season in that area is not very long. In other States with longer growing seasons, recipients have a longer period of time in which to use their SFMNP benefits.
How does the SFMNP operate?
Once the SFMNP benefits have been issued to eligible seniors, they can be used to purchase fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs at authorized farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs. In 2004, these products were available to 802,000 low-income seniors from 14,500 farmers at 2,500 farmers' markets as well as 2,000 roadside stands and 215 community supported agriculture programs.
What foods are available through the SFMNP?
Fresh, nutritious, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and fresh-cut herbs can be purchased with SFMNP benefits. State agencies may limit SFMNP sales to specific foods that are locally grown in order to encourage SFMNP recipients to support the farmers in their own States. Certain foods are not eligible for purchase with SFMNP benefits; these include dried fruits or vegetables, such as prunes (dried plums), raisins (dried grapes), sun-dried tomatoes or dried chili peppers. Potted fruit or vegetable plants, potted or dried herbs, wild rice, nuts of any kind (even raw), honey, maple syrup, cider, and molasses are also not allowed.
Who has administrative responsibility for the SFMNP?
USDA's Food and Nutrition Service administers the SFMNP grants.
What is the current funding level?
Congress authorized $15 million for the SFMNP through 2007.
