The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 provides a significant infusion of funds to initiatives to maintain and improve supply chain resiliency.  One way USDA FNS will foster supply chain resiliency is by providing up to $50 million in noncompetitive grants to state agencies that implement the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program initiatives to improve and expand their operations and services, while strengthening local farmers’ markets and CSAs and providing support for local farmers.  

 

“FNS is making strides in modernizing our programs to best meet the needs of those we serve and promote nutrition security across the nation,” said Cindy Long, Food and Nutrition Service administrator. “By expanding the reach of farmers markets, more seniors with low incomes will have access to locally grown produce that supports optimal health and well-being.”

These projects will help strengthen supply chain resiliency by improving access to and encouraging consumption of locally grown foods, shortening the food supply chain by supporting direct farmer-to-consumer transactions.

Projects planned with the funding, provided by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, include:

• Transitioning from a coupon-based system to electronic benefits transfer system, allowing seniors to pay for purchases conveniently and securely, the same way other farmers market shoppers pay,
• Expanding the program to areas beyond its current reach,
• Serving up to 250,000 more eligible seniors in areas currently participating in the program,
• Increasing benefit amounts to the $50 maximum in states without funding for the maximum benefit, and
• Implementing other program improvements, such as:
  • Online applications and training for farmers interested in participating,
  • Web-based farmers market and farm stand directories, and regional maps; and
  • Outreach to vulnerable populations and/or high concentrations of eligible seniors through partnerships with community organizations.

FNS encourages modernization and innovation to better serve those who rely on our programs for the healthy foods and nutrition that are part of a healthy lifestyle. These initiatives are intended to keep SFMNP operations running smoothly as some states choose to transition to electronic benefits transactions, and to increase the use of program benefits at existing and new farmers markets.

The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides eligible seniors with access to fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey in 48 states, Puerto Rico and eight tribal areas. These foods help support nutrition security, ensuring older Americans have consistent and equitable access to healthy, safe, affordable foods essential to good health.

 

Grant funds will be available for two years providing time for grantees to research options for transitioning to an electronic transaction solution rather than using paper vouchers; to expand service area(s); to serve more eligible seniors; to issue the $50 maximum annual benefit; and/or implement other program improvements.