How to apply for Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program — Missouri

Who it's for

Missouri's Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program gives eligible seniors 60 and older $50 a year in benefits to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey from authorized farmers markets and roadside stands, from May through October. Household income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level (SNAP or SSI receipt qualifies automatically). The program operates in 47 Missouri counties across the Kansas City, St. Louis, Mid-Missouri, and Springfield regions — apply through the regional agency.

What you'll need

• Age verification (driver's license, birth certificate, or state ID)
• Income verification (or current SNAP/SSI proof)
• Proof of residency

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program — Missouri. 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 age verification (driver's license, birth certificate, or state ID), income verification (or current SNAP/SSI proof), proof of residency — 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. Check that you live in one of the 47 Missouri counties served by the Kansas City, St. Louis, Mid-Missouri, or Springfield/Southwest regions. Contact the regional agency or call 1-573-751-2613 to confirm your county is included.
2. Confirm you meet the age and income rules. You must be 60 or older and have a household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. Current SNAP or SSI recipients qualify automatically on income.
3. Gather your required documents: age verification (driver's license, birth certificate, or state ID), income verification or current SNAP/SSI proof, and proof of residency.
4. Apply online or by phone at 1-573-751-2613. Choose whichever method works best for you.
5. Submit your application and documents to the regional agency. Staff will review your information and confirm whether you are eligible.

What to expect: After submitting, the regional Area Agency on Aging or MU Extension office will review your application and verify eligibility. If approved, you will receive $50 in benefits to use at authorized farmers markets and roadside stands from May through October. Benefits are issued while funding lasts, so applying early is a good idea. Because this is an annual program, you will need to reapply each year to continue receiving benefits. Processing times vary — ask the agency for an estimate when you apply.

Renewals

annual