Fresh fruit, vegetable benefit cards available for Alabama adults 60 and older

Staff Report
Posted 4/13/22

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 …

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Fresh fruit, vegetable benefit cards available for Alabama adults 60 and older

Posted

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 $30 benefit card to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from certified farmers at farmers markets and farm stands in the state of Alabama.

This year's program was launched in January and funds are still available. Market season is here and seniors who have applied should receive their benefit card later this month.

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 $30 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.

Eligibility

Age — Must be 60 years of age or older on the day of application and applicants' gross household income must not exceed these limits:

  • $1,772 monthly for a household of one; and
  • $2,396 monthly for a household of two.

Visit fma.alabama.gov/SeniorNutrition/ if there are more than two people in the household.

How to apply

Applicants must apply online at fma.alabama.gov. Unfortunately, applications cannot be taken over the phone or by mail. If approved, a benefit card will be mailed to the address provided on the application. 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 Nov. 15, 2022. To view a list by county, visit www.fma.alabama.gov/FMCounty.aspx. 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 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.

For more information about the SFMNP, visit http://fma.alabama.gov or call 334-240-7247.