The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is a federally funded program administered by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries’ Farmers Market Authority Section. The SFMNP provides eligible seniors with a $50 benefit card to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from certified farmers at farmers markets and farm stands in the state of Alabama. You can apply at https://agi.alabama.gov/farmersmarket/ or call the Area Agency on Aging of West Alabama for assistance completing an application at 205-333-2990.
***Important Notice***
The Benefit Card will replace the paper vouchers issued in the past. Seniors are encouraged to keep this card in a safe place once it is received. Benefits will be loaded to this same card each year after an application is submitted, therefore, it is very important to keep the card!
The SFMNP provides eligible seniors with a $50 benefit card to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from certified farmers at farmers markets and farm stands in the state of Alabama. This program has limited funding and food benefits are available on a first come, first serve basis until available funds are committed. Seniors are encouraged to complete an application as soon as possible.
How to apply:
Applicants must apply online at https://agi.alabama.gov/farmersmarket/ . Unfortunately, applications cannot be taken over the phone or by mail. If you have the Benefits card from 2023, you will need your card number to renew that card and submit your application. If eligible and your application submission is completed, a benefit card will be mailed to the address provided on the application for new recipients. Applicants must reapply every year. However, it is important to keep the benefits card since new benefits will be loaded on the card each year after an application is received.
Where can I use the food benefits?
Benefits can be redeemed at State Sanctioned Farmers Markets, Farm Stands and U-Pick Operations for the purchase of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, honey and cut herbs from May through November 17, 2024. To view a list by county, visit https://agi.alabama.gov/farmersmarket/locations/ Benefits cannot be used at grocery stores or any location not listed on the redemption site.
How to use the benefit card:
When purchasing Alabama grown fresh fruits or vegetables from authorized farmers, present the benefit card use just like you would a debit or credit card. The farmer will scan the card, enter the amount of the purchase, you will confirm the amount and then the purchase is complete. However, make sure the farmer returns your card to you. It is that simple!
