Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

About the SFMNP

The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is a federally funded program administered nationally by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Services Agency and in California, by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). SFMNP benefits will be provided to eligible seniors. The goal of the California SFMNP is to provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown produce, cut herbs, and raw honey through Certified Farmers' Markets to low-income seniors.

How Do I Apply for Benefits and Check Eligibility?

Seniors are encouraged to apply online and check their eligibility to be considered for SFMNP benefits. Please note that applying does not guarantee you will receive benefits.

Benefits are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Once your application is submitted, your local Area Agency on Aging will contact you with additional information about benefit distribution in your area.

At Which Farmers' Markets Can I Use My SFMNP Benefits?

CDFA is continuing to on-board more farmers’ and markets throughout California to be authorized to accept the new SFMNP benefits. Check back often for updates to which markets are active and currently accepting the SFMNP Farmers’ Market Cards in your area.
A list of markets is coming soon.

How Does the Program Work?

The SFMNP benefits will be provided to eligible seniors on an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card, called a Farmers’ Market Card. This card can be used ONLY at authorized FMNP markets

Some benefits of using cards are:

• Flexible shopping: Purchases can be made in any dollar amount.
• Benefit protection: Lost or stolen cards can be replaced.
• Benefit tracking: Check your benefit balance by creating an account on the Participant Portal.

Overview of the Electronic Transaction System

How Can I Find Out if I’m Eligible and Where to Get Benefits?

CDFA encourages all senior interest to fill out the online application Apply Here Button above to answer several questions to confirm eligibility, provide contact information, and be directed to their Local Area Agency on Aging for their county for distribution information. This will ensure the senior is in our system and can be notified of future program updates.

Where Can I Apply to Receive an SFMNP Benefit?

CDFA partners with the Local Area Agencies on Aging (Local Agencies) throughout California. The Local Agencies help issue Farmers' Market Cards to eligible seniors at select distribution sites statewide.

Join our mailing list to be notified Local Agency updates and how to apply for the 2025 season.

At Which Farmers' Markets Can I Use My SFMNP Benefits?

Farmers and markets are currently in the process of onboarding to the new electronic benefits system. A list of markets is being updated, please check back soon.

USDA FNS Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is an equal opportunity provider.