SENIOR FARMERS’ MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM

Some of the following is excerpted from the website of the U.S. Department of Agriculture at www.fns.usda.gov/wic/SeniorFMNP/SeniorFMNPoverview.htm.

WHAT IS THE SENIOR FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM?
The Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is funded and administered by the Connecticut State Department of Agriculture to provide low-income seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for eligible foods at farmers' markets. The SFMNP was created to provide a supplemental source of fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs from farmers' markets, and to promote agricultural diversification by stimulating the demand for Connecticut grown fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers' markets.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Low-income seniors whose subsidized rental housing project or congregate meal provider has applied for and been accepted into the program. Not all eligible seniors will get coupons.

HOW DOES THE PROGRAM OPERATE?
Managers of subsidized rental housing units and congregate meal programs apply for SFMNP coupons to give to their program participants. SFMNP coupons can only be used at authorized farmers' markets and only for fresh fruits, vegetables, and cut herbs from state certified farmers' market vendors.

HOW TO APPLY:
Subsidized elderly housing managers and congregate meal providers must apply to the Connecticut Department of Agriculture in late spring. Not all eligible providers will get coupons, due to funding limitations. Housing managers and congregate meal providers should contact the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Farmers' Market Nutrition Program.

HOW TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT'S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE:
Search by service name:
Food Vouchers

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SOURCES: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture: Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) Overview
PREPARED BY: 211/rj
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: March2008