The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is a federally funded program administered in Iowa by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Its purpose is to help low-income older adults access fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey while also supporting local farmers and farmers markets. Through this program, eligible Iowa seniors can receive market vouchers for Iowa seniors worth $50 to spend on fresh, locally grown produce. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says the program is designed to “provide low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs” while also supporting local farmers and expanding farmers markets.
More than 18,000 eligible Iowa seniors are expected to receive benefits through the program this year, according to state information about the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. But how will it actually benefit seniors in the state? Here’s what every resident needs to know.
