The
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), administered
jointly by the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) and Illinois
Department of Human Services (IDHS), offers income-eligible older
adults access to up to $50 worth of locally grown fruits,
vegetables, herbs and honey from certified farmers.
“The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program helps low-income older
adults supplement their diets with fresh, seasonal produce,” said
IDoA Acting Director Mary Killough. “What’s great about this
program, aside from the nutritional benefits, is that it also helps
to support Illinois farmers and local food economies.”
Melanie Kluzek, IDHS Commodity and Special Nutrition Programs
Administrator, added, “Nutrition insecurity impacts all ages, but
especially seniors living on a fixed income. For those managing
chronic health conditions like diabetes and heart disease,
increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables can make a positive
impact on their health.”
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The SFMNP distributes free coupon books, each
containing five $10 SFMNP checks, to more than 28,000 low-income
older Illinoisans annually. Historically, federal funding only
allowed for agencies to issue $25 in benefits per participant. IDHS
applied for and received SFMNP American Rescue Plan Act grant funds,
allowing them to issue the maximum benefit of $50 per participant
for the 2023 and 2024 SFMNP seasons.
Eligible participants must be at least 60 years old and have a
household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. For
a single-person household, that amount is $2,322 monthly. For a
two-person senior household, the income threshold increases to
$3,151.
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SFMNP checks can be used between July 10 and Oct. 31
at participating farmers markets and roadside stands in 37 Illinois
counties. Participants can identify SFMNP vendors by looking for a
yellow sign with black lettering indicating “farmers market
nutrition program benefits accepted here.”
Checks will be distributed before the program start date on a
first-come, first-served basis by 11 of Illinois’ 13 regional Area
Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Along with their checks, participants receive a list of farmers
markets and roadside stands where they can be exchanged for fresh
fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs. Participants are also provided
with nutrition education materials, which may include recipes and
tips for using fresh produce.
Income-eligible older adults are encouraged to contact their local
AAA for application instructions.
About IDoA: IDoA serves and advocates for older Illinoisans and
their caregivers by administering quality and culturally appropriate
programs that promote partnerships and encourage independence,
dignity, and quality of life. For information about the Department’s
programs and services for older adults and persons with
disabilities, visit https://ilaging.illinois.gov/ or contact the
Senior HelpLine toll-free at 1-800-252-8966, Monday through Friday
between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information]
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