Sign up starts soon for Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

MARION COUNTY — Qualifying seniors should mark their calendars and prepare now to submit their application starting in mid-January for the Farmers Market Nutrition Program.
The FMNP helps to bridge the gap between local agriculture and community nutrition by giving seniors the chance to purchase fresh, locally grown produce directly from farmers.
The FMNP aims to provide fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs to low-income seniors and nutritionally at-risk women and children, boost consumption of U.S.-grown agricultural products by supporting farmers markets and roadside stands and encourage the development and expansion of local markets.
Participation in the program is limited by available funding and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is a part of the FMNP.
To qualify for SFMNP benefits, applicants must be at least 60 years old on the day benefits are issued and meet income guidelines. (Per 2025 guidelines. Any changes to the 2026 income guidelines will be posted on the Farmers Market Nutrition Program website.)
Per person income limits are as follows: one person - $2,414/month; two people - $3,262/month; three people - $4,109/month; four people - $4,958/month; five people - $5,805/month; six people - $6,653/month; seven people - $7,502/month; and eight people - $8,349/month.
 
Apply beginning mid-January
Applications can be submitted starting mid-January by visiting agi.alabama.gov/farmersmarket or in person at the Marion County Extension Office, located at 372 Seventh Avenue Southwest in Hamilton.
Approved participants will receive a benefits card by mail or have their existing card reloaded. If you have previously received benefits, you will need your card number to reapply.
Benefits are typically issued between May and July and must be used by Nov. 27 of the same year.
SFMNP benefits, valued at $50, can be redeemed at Farmers Market Authority-approved markets and roadside stands. Look for vendors displaying the FMNP sign.
Benefits can only be used for fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs—not for non-produce items or ornamental gourds. No change is given for purchases, but cash can be used to buy additional produce.
For a list of participating markets and their operating hours, visit the redemption site online. Remember, benefits expire annually and cannot be carried over.
The Marion County Extension Office does not control nor have any authority to issue SFMNP benefits. Extension only provides assistance in completing the required registration.
For more information, contact Extension at 205-921-3551. (Note: Extension will open again after the holidays on Monday, Jan. 5.)