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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 $30 in vouchers 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 
• Income — Applicants’ gross household income must not exceed these limits:

                   $1,756 monthly … for a household of … 1

                   $2,371 monthly … for a household of … 2

Visit http://fma.alabama.gov/SeniorNutrition/  if there are more than 2 people in the household.      

How to apply: Applicants must apply online at http://fma.alabama.gov. Unfortunately, applications cannot be taken over the phone or by mail. If seniors need assistance or do not have access to a computer, they are encouraged to ask a relative, friend, church member, etc. to complete the application for them with information provided by the senior. If approved, vouchers will be mailed to the address provided on the application. The vouchers are usually mailed out in late May or early June. Applicants must reapply every year. 

After submitting the application: A confirmation page will appear on the screen stating that the application has been successfully submitted. “Successfully submitted” does not guarantee that the application has been received. Therefore, it is strongly suggested that seniors print or save the confirmation page for their records and verification they did submit an application. If the senior does not meet eligibility requirements, a message stating that the application has been rejected will appear. If the applicant believes an error has been made on the application, they should email: fma@agi.alabama.gov. Do not submit another application!

What can I buy with the vouchers?

Vouchers can be used to purchase fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, honey and cut herbs. Each SFMNP voucher is worth $6.00 and each voucher booklet has five vouchers for a total of $30.00. Farmers who accept vouchers should have the “Farmers Market Nutrition Program” sign on display. Seniors cannot receive change from a voucher. If the purchase is less than the amount of one or more vouchers, the farmer will add more fruits and vegetables of the consumer’s choice to make up the difference. Vouchers cannot be used to buy non-produce items and cannot be used at a grocery store or any location that is not listed on the redemption site.  

Where can I use the vouchers?

Vouchers can be redeemed at State Certified Farmers Markets, Farm Stands and U-Pick Operations. To view a list by county, visit http://www.fma.alabama.gov/FMCounty.aspx or http://agi.alabama.gov/docs/fma/RedemptionSites.

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