Media Release

For Immediate Release

Contact Information
Irene Stewart, HSD Communications Manager
Email: irene.stewart@seattle.gov

Apply Now: Senior Farmers Market Cards Valued at $80

2024 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program now open for applications

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program—a popular food and nutrition program for low-income older adults—is now open for applications. The program provides an e-Benefit card valued at $80 (one-time distribution) to be used for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets.

To apply, all of the following must be true:

• Age 60+ (age 55+ if you are American Indian or Alaska Native) by June 30
• Low income (no more than $2,322 monthly income for one person or $3,151 for two people—for each additional person, add $829)
• King County, WA resident

Applications must be completed by May 24, 2024. They can be submitted online via a special portal (sfmnp-seattleking.org). Anyone requiring a paper application can download one from the SFMNP website and follow instructions to return by mail. Applicants should apply only once, duplicates will be removed. Information and applications are available in 15 languages.

After the application period closes, completed applications will be entered into a random selection process. In July, SFMNP benefit cards will be mailed to those who were selected.

In King County, the SFMNP is administered by the Seattle Human Services Department's Aging and Disability Services (ADS) division, which serves as the Area Agency on Aging for Seattle and King County.  

“SFMNP benefits have inspired some older people to visit a farmers market for their first time,” said ADS Division Director Mary Mitchell. “Once there, they find a broad range of produce, including foods that are part of their culture and sometimes foods they may not have eaten since childhood. Moreover, they meet and talk with farmers, neighbors, and others, helping to reduce social isolation, and they have a really good time in an open-air setting.”

In 2023, the SFMNP:

• Provided $857,840 in farmers market benefits to 10,722 low-income older adults.
• Provided access to healthy, locally grown, and often culturally relevant fresh produce.
• Supported local farmers who produce the food.

Questions about the program? Need help with your application? Call Community Living Connections at (toll free) 1-844-348-5464. The service is local and free of charge.

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