Seniors: Apply now for Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program

By:
0
3064
Pixabay

CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Commission on Aging is currently assisting area seniors with filling out applications for this year’s Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP).   

The SFMNP, a program of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), aims to provide low-income seniors with access to healthy and locally grown fruits, vegetables and other goods such as honey and herbs. Vouchers can be used at local farmers’ markets.

Cullman County Commission on Aging Director Dusty Baker said of the program, “It’s a great opportunity for our seniors that qualify to take advantage of. Not only do you get farm fresh vegetables for free, but also the opportunity to get out and safely enjoy one of the wonderful amenities our community has to offer!”

An application must be completed for each person in the household who qualifies for SFMNP benefits. Applicants must reapply every year. You can apply for next year’s program any time after Jan. 1. To qualify, individuals must meet the following criteria:

  1. Age – person must be 60 years of age or older the day of application, AND
  2. Income level – recipients’ gross household income (income before taxes) must not exceed the following limits:

$1,756.00 monthly……for a household of ——1
$2,371.00 monthly……for a household of ——2
$2,987.00 monthly……for a household of ——3
$3,604.00 monthly……for a household of ——4
$4,219.00 monthly……for a household of ——5
$4,835.00 monthly……for a household of ——6
$5,452.00 monthly……for a household of ——7
$6,067.00 monthly……for a household of ——8

(Household: a group of related or non-related individuals living together as one economic unit. These amounts are at 165% of 2020-2021 Federal Poverty Guidelines.)

To find out more, visit http://fma.alabama.gov/seniornutrition/.

Those who qualify and need help filling out an application can call or email the Commission on Aging at 256-734-1241 or jjames@co.cullman.al.us. Vouchers are normally mailed in June or July. There is no set deadline for applications. The vouchers will be issued until they run out.

Copyright 2021 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.