Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

Program Overview: 
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is to provide seniors in Lewis, Mason and Thurston Counties the opportunity to purchase fresh, nutritious, unprepared, unprocessed, locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and fresh-cut herbs from authorized farmers markets and roadside stands. Participants will also receive nutrition educational materials including recipes, nutrient values, food preparation and storage information.

Another benefit of this program is that by increasing the consumption of local agricultural commodities it helps aid in the development of new farmers markets and roadside stands along with community supported agriculture programs.

Qualifications:
To be eligible for the SFMNP, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• You must be 60 years old or older (or 55+ if you are Native American/Alaska Native)
• Your income must be below 185% of Federal Poverty Level. That means:
  • $27,861 Annual or $2,322 Monthly Income for 1 person
  • $37,814 Annual or $3,151 Monthly Income for 2 people
  • For larger households, add $829 for each additional person
• You must be a resident of Washington State

Ways to Apply:

• On this webpage! See link on this page.
• Download an application to fill out, sign and mail to:

LMTAAA

2404 Heritage CT SW

Olympia, WA 98502

• Email a completed form to LMTSFMNP@dshs.wa.gov
• Call 360-664-2168 and an ADRC Specialist can assist with a phone application.

Market Season: 
This year’s application will be available on April 15, 2024.  SFMNP cards will be distributed on a first come first serve basis.  Once an application has been received and screened for eligibility, the applicant will be mailed a preloaded card with $80 in SFMNP benefits to be used at participating farmers markets and roadside stands throughout Washington State.  

SFMNP checks are valid during harvest season, which is June 1 thru October 31, 2024. 

Where to Shop: 
A list of local participating farmers markets and roadside stands will be provided to each recipient of SFMNP cards. All participating farmers markets and roadside stands will have a sign posted that they accept SFMNP cards. A complete list of all participating farmers markets and roadside stands throughout Washington State is available upon request.

FAQs:

• Cards are not mailed out until the end of May. If you apply early, please be patient as we cannot mail them earlier than that since the card is not available to use until June 1st.
• You can track available balances through the SFMNP Mobile APP or by calling the number on the back of your card.
• No cash change will be issued for purchases, and no State or local taxes will be collected on purchases of food with cards.
• Caregivers or family members may purchase produce with the SFMNP card on behalf of an eligible participant when a PROXY form is filled out by the senior designating someone else to make purchases for them. Proxy form is available upon request.

Links:  Other languages available upon request.