The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), a federally funded initiative administered by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries’ Farmers Market Authority Section, is set to provide eligible seniors in the state with a $50 benefit card to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from certified farmers at farmers markets and farm stands.

Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, Rick Pate, encourages eligible seniors to apply for the SFMNP card.

“The SFMNP card allows senior citizens to purchase more local products. I want to encourage those who are eligible to apply and begin shopping local,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate in a news release. “ADAI looks forward to another year of supporting Alabama’s farmers and senior citizens through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.”

Eligibility Criteria:

• Age: Must be 60 years of age or older on the day of application
• Income: Gross household income must not exceed $2,248 monthly for a household of 1, and $3,041 monthly for a household of 2.

Interested individuals can apply online at agi.alabama.gov/farmersmarket/. Renewals for those with benefit cards from 2023 require the card number for submission. Benefit cards will be mailed to new recipients upon eligibility verification, and applicants are required to reapply annually.

Redemption and Usage:

The benefits can be redeemed at State Sanctioned Farmers Markets, Farm Stands and U-Pick Operations between May 1 and Nov. 27, 2024. The benefits cover fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, honey and cut herbs. A comprehensive list of locations accepting SFMNP benefit cards, categorized by county, is available at agi.alabama.gov/farmersmarket/locations/.  Note that benefits cannot be utilized at grocery stores or any location not listed on the redemption site.

In Baldwin County, two farmer's markets accept SFMNP benefit cards; Coastal AL Farmers & Fishermens Market located at 781 Farmers Market Lane, Foley, and the Fairhope Outdoor Farmers Market located at 501 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope.

To use the benefit card, seniors simply present it during the purchase of Alabama-grown fresh produce from authorized farmers. The process involves card scanning, entering the purchase amount, confirmation and the return of the card to the senior by the farmer.

For additional information about the SFMNP, interested parties can visit agi.alabama.gov/ or contact (334) 240-7247 or (877) 774-9519. The program aims to enhance seniors' access to nutritious, locally grown foods while supporting Alabama's agriculture industry.