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Market Rules and Vendor Application
| Enrollment in the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program is conducted by the Staunton Senior Center, located at 224 Taylor St Staunton, VA. Phone: 540-886-4634. |
Overview of program and benefits
What is the SFMNP?
The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) awards grants to
States, United States Territories, and federally-recognized Indian tribal
governments to provide low-income seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for
eligible foods at farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community supported
agriculture programs. The majority of the grant funds must be used to support
the costs of the foods that are provided under the SFMNP; State agencies may use
up to 10 percent of their grants to support administrative costs for the
program.
What is the purpose of the SFMNP?
The purposes of the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program are to:
(1) Provide resources in the form of fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally
grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs from farmers' markets, roadside stands and
community supported agriculture programs to low-income seniors,
(2) Increase the domestic consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding
or aiding in the expansion of domestic farmers' markets, roadside stands, and
community support agriculture programs, and
(3) Develop or aid in the development of new and additional farmers' markets,
roadside stands, and community support agriculture programs.
Who is eligible for SFMNP benefits?
Low-income seniors, generally defined as individuals who are at least 60
years old and who have household incomes of not more than 185% of the federal
poverty income guidelines (published each year by the Department of Health and
Human Services), are the targeted recipients of SFMNP benefits. Some State
agencies accept proof of participation or enrollment in another means-tested
program, such as the Commodity Supplemental Food Program or the Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program, for SFMNP eligibility.
When does the SFMNP operate?
SFMNP benefits are provided to eligible recipients for use during the
harvest season. In some States, the SFMNP season is relatively short, because
the growing season in that area is not very long. In other States with longer
growing seasons, recipients have a longer period of time in which to use their
SFMNP benefits.
How does the SFMNP operate?
Once the SFMNP benefits have been issued to eligible seniors, they can be
used to purchase fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits,
vegetables, and herbs at authorized farmers' markets, roadside stands, and
community supported agriculture programs. In 2006, these products were available
to 825,691 low-income seniors from 14,575 farmers at 2,911 farmers' markets as
well as 2,323 roadside stands and 260 community supported agriculture programs.
What foods are available through the SFMNP?
Fresh, nutritious, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and fresh-cut herbs can
be purchased with SFMNP benefits. State agencies may limit SFMNP sales to
specific foods that are locally grown in order to encourage SFMNP recipients to
support the farmers in their own States. Certain foods are not eligible for
purchase with SFMNP benefits; these include dried fruits or vegetables, such as
prunes (dried plums), raisins (dried grapes), sun-dried tomatoes or dried chili
peppers. Potted fruit or vegetable plants, potted or dried herbs, wild rice,
nuts of any kind (even raw), honey, maple syrup, cider, and molasses are also
not allowed.
Who has administrative responsibility for the SFMNP?
USDA's Food and Nutrition Service administers the SFMNP grants.