Photo courtesy of SFMNP

If you’re a senior or know a senior who’d like to shop at the Queen Anne Farmers Market this year, but could use some financial assistance to do so, check out the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP).

The SFMNP provides checks for eligible seniors to use at farmers markets throughout King County, including our own Queen Anne Farmers Market. It’s a great way for eligible seniors to have healthy options at our local markets.

Photo courtesy of SFMNP

Seniors can apply for the program through Friday, May 31st. There are a limited number of checks available, so King County will select seniors via a random selection from the total number of applications received. All seniors who apply will receive a letter in early July informing them of their status with the program.

Eligible applicants must be 60 years old or older (or 55+ for American Indian/Alaska Native) and low-income (below 185% of Federal Poverty Level). To apply, fill out an application form available online or call the Senior Information & Assistance at 206.448.3110 or 888.4.ELDERS.

And, remember, the Queen Anne Farmers Market starts Thursday, June 6th and runs through October 31st this year – just a month and a half away to kick-off day!

Applications are now available for the popular Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, providing low-income seniors with $40 in voucher checks that can be exchanged for fresh produce at farmers markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture programs throughout King County, including our own Queen Anne Farmers’ Market.

Applicants must be King County residents age 60 or older (age 55 or older if American Indian/Alaska Native) and low-income—below 185 percent of Federal Poverty Level (FPL). In real terms, that means someone who meets the age requirement must have an annual income at or below $20,665 (or $1,723 monthly) if he or she lives alone; or $27,991 ($2,333 monthly) if he or she lives with one other person. For larger households, the FPL formula adds $611 per month per person.

“Seattle and suburban cities are fortunate to have a wealth of small farmers markets that provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey,” said Jesse Eller, director of Seattle Human Services Department’s Aging and Disability Services division, the agency that oversees the program in King County. “It’s a great investment in senior nutrition as well as our agricultural economy.”

Applications are available online or by calling the organizations listed below.

·         African American Elders Program: 206-328-6840
·         Asian Counseling & Referral Service: 206-695-7510
·         Chinese Information & Service Center: 206-624-5633 ext 4178
·         Latino Information & Assistance: 206-764-4700
·         Neighborhood House: 206-461-4522
·         Russian Information & Assistance (Irina at JFS): 425-643-2221
·         Seattle Mayor’s Office for Senior Citizens: 206-684-0500
·         Senior Information & Assistance 206-448-3110 or 1-888-4ELDERS

Because funds are limited, a random selection process is used to select recipients. Completed applications must be submitted by mail and postmarked by June 4, 2012. All applicants will receive a letter by early July informing them of their status.

A searchable list of local markets can be found on the Washington State Farmers Market Association Web site.

The Queen Anne Farmers’ Market opens June 7, 2012. The following week of June 14, the Market will match SNAP/EBT/WIC/SFMNP redemptions up to $15. per person (capped at $400/day). Any customer redeeming food stamps can have their redemption value doubled up to $15. “We are fortunate to be able to do this because of the support of donations made by our sponsors and our ‘Friends of the Market’ donations,” says Maggie Cuevas of the QAFM.

Any readers who would like to make a donation to keep the market thriving, growing, and able to support important programs like these can become a Friend of the Queen Anne Market by clicking here.