Written by Chiara Doyal, seattle medium
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), a popular food and nutrition program for low-income seniors, is currently accepting applications through Wednesday, May 24th.
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is a seasonal program that provides a one-time distribution of an e-benefits card valued at $80 that can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets. This helps low- to moderate-income seniors add more fresh and nutritious foods to their diets.
“Access to healthy food is one of the important social determinants of health.Eating healthy, nutritious food is especially important for the health of the youngest to oldest members of a community. But people who need healthy, nutritious food don’t always have access to it,” said Aging and Disability Services, a division of the City of Seattle’s Department of Social Services. says Director Mary Mitchell.
“Some seniors are visiting a farmers market for the first time because of the benefits of SFMNP,” Mitchell added. “Once they get there, they find a wide range of produce, including foods that are part of their culture and sometimes foods they haven’t eaten since childhood. Additionally, they find a wide range of agricultural products, including foods that are part of their culture and sometimes foods they haven’t eaten since childhood. Additionally, they find a wide range of agricultural products, including foods that are part of their culture and sometimes foods they haven’t eaten since childhood. It helps reduce social isolation and they really enjoy spending time in an outdoor environment.”
To qualify for this program, you must be at least 60 years of age, or 55 years or older if you are American Indian or Alaska Native, and have a low-income income of less than $2,322 per month for one person or $3,151 for two people. , the following conditions must be met: King County resident.
Due to the popularity of this program, funds are limited and a random selection process is used to determine who receives funds. Mitchell said all applications will be reviewed and entered into a lottery. An electronic benefit card will be sent to the winners in July.
“Although this is a one-time benefit, eligible residents can apply again the following year. Additionally, the e-Benefit card can be used at farmers markets throughout the year,” Mitchell said. “Last year, we were able to provide $857,840 in benefits to farmers markets, supporting 10,722 low-income seniors and local farmers who produce food.”
SFMNP hopes to increase the number of Black or African American participants in the coming years, focusing on the program’s overall goal of helping seniors add nutritious foods to their diets. I am.
“African American older adults are disproportionately impacted by health disparities that impact quality of life, longevity, and nutritional risk,” Mitchell said. “Last year, more than 10% of our participants were Black or African American, and we are working to increase that percentage. , and senior centers to spread the word about healthy food access opportunities.”
If you need application support, application support is available free of charge through Local Services. Catholic Community Services’ African American Elders Program is part of the Community Living Connections network and focuses on providing access to resources for Black and African American elders.
Additionally, SFMNP focuses on supporting immigrant communities by making information and applications available in 15 languages. The easiest way to apply is online at sfmnp-seattleking.org. If you require a paper application, it is provided at AgingKingCounty.org/SFMNP.
