How to apply for Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program — Washington

Who it's for

Washington's Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program gives eligible residents 60 and older (55 and older for Native Americans and Alaska Natives) a benefit card preloaded with $80 to buy fresh produce at authorized farmers markets, farm stores, and CSAs from June 1 through October 31. Monthly income must be below 185% of the federal poverty level. Apply each year through the local Area Agency on Aging; benefits do not roll over.

What you'll need

• Proof of age
• Income self-certification

Where to apply

Step by step

1. Confirm you meet the age requirement — you must be 60 or older, or 55 or older if you are a Native American or Alaska Native — and that your monthly income is below 185% of the federal poverty level.
2. Gather your proof of age, such as a government-issued ID, birth certificate, or Medicare card.
3. Prepare to self-certify your income. You will not need to submit income documents, but you will sign a statement confirming your income meets the limit.
4. Apply online through your local Area Agency on Aging. The official apply link is listed on this page.
5. Watch for confirmation from your local Area Agency on Aging. Processing times vary, so contact your local office if you have questions about your status.
6. Once approved, use your preloaded $80 benefit card to buy fresh produce at authorized farmers markets, farm stores, and CSAs between June 1 and October 31.

What to expect: After you submit your application, your local Area Agency on Aging will review it and contact you about next steps. Processing times vary, so reach out to your local office if you need a timeline estimate. If approved, you will receive a benefit card preloaded with $80 to spend on fresh produce at authorized locations during the seasonal window of June 1 through October 31. Benefits do not roll over, so plan to use the full amount before the season ends. Because this program runs annually, you will need to reapply each year to receive new benefits — watch for outreach from your local Area Agency on Aging when the next application period opens.

Renewals

annual