How to apply for Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

Who it's for

SFMNP gives low-income seniors annual vouchers — roughly $40 per eligible person in California in 2026 — to buy fresh, unprepared, locally-grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey at participating farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs. The federal program is funded by USDA and distributed locally by the California Department of Food and Agriculture through county and nonprofit partners (food banks, area agencies on aging, senior centers). Vouchers are typically distributed once per year between May and October. SFMNP is small in dollar value relative to other senior benefits but pairs well with CalFresh because it lets recipients buy farmers'-market produce that traditional grocery-store benefits don't always cover well.

What you'll need

• Proof of age 60+ (driver's license, state ID, or birth certificate)
• Proof of residency
• Self-declaration of household income (some local distributors may also ask for documentation)
• Identification of the household member who will receive the vouchers (one set per eligible person)

Where to apply

Renewals

annual (vouchers distributed once per year)