Snohomish County seniors with tight budgets have a fresh opportunity to bring home the greens—and reds, yellows, and purples of local fruits and veggies. The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is back this summer and is opening its application window for older adults who want to eat healthily and support area farmers.
The program, aimed at providing benefits for lower-income seniors, enables them to purchase locally sourced goods like fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs. Increasing the use of farmers markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture, the initiative strengthens the local farm economy. Applications for the SFMNP must be submitted by 4 p.m. on May 5 to be considered within the funding limits available.
According to the Snohomish County website, eligible seniors will receive an $80 pre-loaded benefit card to spend at participating locations. Snohomish County sets its eligibility requirements as residents aged 60 and over for non-Native Americans and 55 and up for Native Americans, with a monthly income cap of $2,413 for individuals and $3,261 for couples, offering an additional $848 per person for larger households. The timeframe for use of these cards stretches up to October 31. Cards will be sent to those approved by mid-June.
The application process has been streamlined for convenience. Aspiring participants can apply online or by mail, with the online option saving time and expanding accessibility—applicants can bypass potential postal delay and save on postage. For additional support or inquiries, including assistance in languages other than English, seniors can reach out to the Snohomish County Aging and Disabilities Resource Network (ADRN) at 425-513-1900.
Indeed, the program has shown its worth in the past. "In 2025, the SFMNP helped more than 2,700 low-income seniors access fresh produce from local farms," Supervisor Cole Caplan from the Snohomish County Human Services Department told the county's news outlet. This initiative not only brings healthier options to the tables of older adults but also aids in the sustenance of local agriculture, marking it an influential player in community wellness and economic stability.
The SFMNP carries the backing of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is supported by the Washington State Department of Health’s Office of Nutrition Services and the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Aging and Long-Term Support Administration. Those interested can learn more about eligibility and swiftly apply online by visiting the designated Snohomish County website for nutrition programs.
