Washington State Senior

Farmers Market Program

Established 2001

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides fresh fruits and vegetables to lower income seniors.  The program increases the use of farmers’ markets, roadside farm stands, and community supported agriculture.  Produce is also bought directly from farmers for delivery to seniors. 

Benefits of the SFMNP

• Improves the health of low-income seniors by increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables.  
  • In 2010, 22,076 seniors bought fresh fruits and vegetables with Senior FMNP checks.  Eating more fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of many diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. 
• Provides seniors with opportunities to be engaged in their local communities.
• Reduces hunger in low-income seniors by providing up to $40 in food assistance. 
• Helps small farms and business by promoting Washington grown fruits and vegetables.
  • Total sales from the Senior FMNP in 2010 were $653,666.
  • In 2010, 765 farms sold local produce, at 130 markets, and 158 farms stores and roadside stands.

How the Program Works

• Participating senior service agencies give out farmers market checks worth $40 that may be used from June through October.
• Seniors apply for SFMNP benefits through local agencies. Eligible seniors (income below 185% of Federal Poverty level, a gross income of $1,678.91 a month for one in 2011 AND 60 years and older.)
•  Seniors buy fruits and vegetables with farmers market checks at approved farmers markets, or farm stores OR Local produce is purchased directly from farmers and delivered to eligible homebound seniors or to meal sites and senior housing for pick up by seniors.

Administration