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 SNAP 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

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may 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) — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Confirm you are age 60 or older and meet your local area's low-income guidelines before starting the application.
2. Gather your required documents: a proof of age (driver's license, state ID, or birth certificate), a proof of residency, and information to self-declare your household income. Some local distributors may also ask for income documentation, so have that ready just in case.
3. Identify which household member will receive the vouchers. Each eligible person in the household may receive one set of vouchers.
4. Apply online or, if you are in California, by phone at 916-900-5030, or, if you are in Kentucky, by phone at 502-382-7505. Choose the method that works best for you.
5. Submit your application and documents to your local distributing partner — such as a food bank, area agency on aging, or senior center — as directed during the application process.
6. Watch for your vouchers. Distribution typically happens once per year between May and October, so apply as early in the season as possible.

What to expect: After submitting, your application will be reviewed by the local distributing partner in your county. Processing times vary, so contact your local distributor for an estimate of when to expect a decision. If approved, you will receive a set of vouchers — roughly $40 per eligible person in California in 2026, with amounts varying by state — to use at participating farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs for fresh, locally-grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey. Vouchers are valid only during the current season and cannot be carried over. Because the program runs on an annual cycle, you will need to reapply each year to receive a new set of vouchers.

Renewals

annual (vouchers distributed once per year)