Eligible Senior Citizens Can Apply to Receive Benefits for Shopping at Farmers Markets
JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce is providing income-eligible senior citizens access to healthier foods through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP).
The SFMNP provides benefits in the form of a benefit card valued at $50 that can be used at authorized farmers markets in twenty-seven counties for the purchase of locally grown fruits, vegetables and honey.
Program information including program criteria and how to apply for and redeem the benefit card can be found on the Farmers Market Nutrition Program webpage. Senior citizens that applied online and received benefits in 2023 must reapply online in order to receive benefits in 2024.
“The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is a win-win for both our senior citizens and farmers. This program increases access of locally grown produce and honey for income eligible senior citizens while opening marketing opportunities for farmers,” said Commissioner Gipson. “I encourage eligible seniors to visit our website and submit an application in order to take advantage of this program.”
For the year 2024, program benefits can be redeemed at authorized and participating farmers market locations in the following counties: Adams, Attala, Benton, Carroll, Clay, Desoto, Forrest, Harrison, Hinds, Holmes, Jackson, Lafayette, Leake, Leflore, Lincoln, Lowndes, Montgomery, Neshoba, Newton, Oktibbeha, Panola, Pike, Pontotoc, Tate, Walthall, Washington, and Webster.
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is federally funded by the United States Department of Agriculture. This program has limited funding, and food benefits are available on a first-come, first-serve basis until available funds are committed.
For questions regarding MDAC’s Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Application, contact Purvie Green at (601) 576-FMNP or FMNP_SeniorsApp@mdac.ms.gov. Farmers interested in becoming authorized to accept the benefit cards at participating farmers markets, contact the market managers of the authorized farmers market locations listed on MDAC’s website.
