A reminder that there’s a program that can boost the spending power for eligible Seniors to get fresh produce and fruit at many Farmers Markets in Everett, Washington and Snohomish County. Seniors do have to apply. Here’s what you need to know.
Snohomish County is now accepting applications for the 2023 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). SFMNP provides eligible low-income seniors with a free $80 benefit card to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets, farm stores, and farm stands. Benefit cards will be mailed to eligible applicants on a first-come, first-served basis up to available funding. Applications must be received by June 6, 2023. www.snohomishcountywa.gov/1002/Nutrition-Programs
“The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides low-income seniors better access to fresh, nutritious, unprocessed, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs from local participating growers. It’s a win-win by making it easier to add fresh fruits and vegetables for healthier diet while also supporting local farmers and community-supported agriculture programs,” said Cole Caplan, Contracts and Administration Supervisor, Long-Term Care & Aging Unit in the Human Services Department.
Anyone interested can find eligibility information and applications on this website. Applications are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Korean. Residents can call the Snohomish County Aging & Disability Resource Network (ADRN) at 425-513-1900 for additional languages, and ADRN is also available to answer any questions about the program and help with the application.
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program helped 2,000 low-income seniors access fresh produce from local farms in 2022. SFMNP is a vital resource for vulnerable older adults, and it also expands the use of local farmers markets, farm stands, and community-supported agriculture programs.