SFMNP Guide.pdf

The Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) awards grants to states, territories, and Indian Tribal Organizations to provide low-income seniors with coupons for eligible foods at farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture programs. The program's purpose is to provide fresh, nutritious foods to low-income seniors and increase consumption of agricultural commodities. Eligible recipients are low-income seniors, at least 60 years old, with household incomes not exceeding 185% of the Federal poverty guidelines. In FY 2022, 757,751 people received SFMNP benefits, and 57 state agencies, territories, and Indian Tribal Organizations operated the program. The program is administered through a Federal/State partnership, with state agencies issuing coupons or checks to eligible participants to buy eligible foods from authorized farmers, farmers' markets, roadside stands, or CSAs. The Federal SFMNP benefit level is at least $20 and not more than $50 per year. Nutrition education is provided to recipients, and a variety of fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey may be purchased with SFMNP benefits. In FY 2022, 15,089 farmers, 3,877 farmers' markets, 2,212 roadside stands, and 20 CSAs were authorized to accept SFMNP checks or coupons. The current funding level is $19.42 million annually.