What is the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program?
The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is administered by the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship in cooperation with the Iowa Department on Aging. The program provides eligible older adults with a booklet of checks ($30) that can be spent at participating farmers’ markets and roadside stands to purchase fresh, Iowa grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey.
Benefits are distributed by Aging Resources of Central Iowa on a first-come-first-served and can be used from June 1st through October 31st. An individual must meet age and income requirements and complete an application to receive SFMNP benefits.
To be eligible, an individual must:
- Be 60 years of age or older at the time the application is submitted (born in or before 1960).
- Live in Aging Resources’ service area, which includes Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Polk, Story, & Warren counties.
- Have a yearly income that is at or below the following guidelines:
-For a single individual, yearly income must be at or below $25,142.
-For a married couple, the combined yearly income must be less than $33,874.
Where can I apply for Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program benefits?
Applications for the program can be filled out with your meal provider, senior housing facilities, or with case managers. If you live outside Aging Resources eight county service area (see above) please click here to find the Area Agency on Aging that serves your county.
For more info about the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, please contact the Nutrition Services Director at 515-633-9518.
Please click here to view the Farmers’ Markets locations in Central Iowa.