Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

Posted by on September 22, 2006

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

Purpose
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; 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; Develop or aid in the development of new and additional farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community support agriculture programs.

SFMNP benefits are provided to eligible recipients for use during the harvest season. In Pennsylvania FMNP operates from June 1st until November 30th. This is the major growing season in Pennsylvania.

Who Should Participate
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.

Registration
For information on participating in SFMNP, contact Sandy Hopple of the Bureau at
1-800-468-2433.

http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/agriculture/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=128985