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SENIOR
FARMERS’ MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM
The following is excerpted from the website of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/seniorfmnp/seniorfmnpoverview.htm, and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, http://www.ct.gov/doag/cwp/view.asp?a=3260&q=399020.
WHAT IS THE SENIOR FARMERS'
MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM?
The Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
(SFMNP) is funded and administered by the
Connecticut Department of Agriculture to provide
low income seniors with coupons that can be
exchanged for eligible foods at farmers'
markets. The SFMNP was created to provide a
supplemental source of fresh, locally grown
fruits, vegetables, and herbs from farmers'
markets, and to promote agricultural
diversification by stimulating the demand for
Connecticut grown fresh fruits and vegetables at
farmers' markets.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Individuals 60 years of age or older, with
incomes that do not exceed 185% of poverty
income guidelines are eligible. Clients must be
participating in another program with proper
means testing verifying their eligibility.
Examples of other programs include but are not
limited to renter rebate programs or congregate
meal programs.
HOW DOES THE PROGRAM OPERATE?
Each eligible recipient receives five (5)
three-dollar ($3) checks ($15 per recipient, per
market season), which can be redeemed at FMNP
authorized markets throughout Connecticut for
fruits, vegetables, fresh cut herbs, and honey.
Senior FMNP checks are issued to Municipal
Agents or Social/Elderly Service Directors by
the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.
The vouchers are then distributed by the
Municipal Agents or Social/Elderly Service
Directors to eligible seniors in their town or
city.
SFMNP coupons can only be used at
authorized farmers' markets and only for fresh
fruits, vegetables, and cut herbs from state
certified farmers' market vendors.
HOW TO APPLY:
Eligible seniors may apply at the office of
their town's Municipal Agent for the Elderly or
Social/Elderly Service Director.
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SOURCES: U.S. Dept. of
Agriculture: Senior
Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)
Overview; Connecticut Department of
Agriculture: Farmer's
Market Nutrition Program
PREPARED BY: 211/rj
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: May2012
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