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Food benefits for seniors

Information about the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

SFMNP Applications Now Closed

Thank you for your interest in the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP).

The maximum number of participants we have funds to serve for the 2026 year has been reached. Therefore, we are no longer accepting applications for 2026.

You may apply for the 2027 Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program benefits beginning in February 2027.

About the program

LDAF secured a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to participate in the 2026 program allowing senior citizens to buy locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, cut herbs, and honey at farmers markets and roadside stands.  LDAF anticipates applying for the 2027 program.

Applying for benefits

You must apply every year.  Seniors who received food benefits in previous years will not automatically receive them the following year.

When available and if eligible, you may apply online to participate in the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). Eligibility:

  • Age: 60 years or older on the day you apply

  • Income: Household income before tax (gross income) must not exceed:

    • $2,461 monthly if one person in household

    • $3,337 monthly if two people in household

If you are already enrolled in any of the programs below, you pre-qualify for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program because the income level to qualify for these programs is less than for this program. (You still need to complete and application to participate).

  • U.S. Department of Agriculture – Food for Seniors Program

  • Louisiana Purchase Card (SNAP)

  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

  • Medicaid

Using your benefits card

Each person who qualifies receives food benefits in the amount of $30 that will be loaded onto a card. Participants who still have their food benefits cards from previous years will have them reloaded, and new food benefits cards will be issued to new participants and previous participants who need replacement cards. You can use the card to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, cut herbs, and honey from participating farmers at approved farmers markets and roadside stands (or farm stands). Please see the following listing of farmers markets and roadside stands approved to accept SFMNP food benefits cards: www.ldaf.la.gov/fmnp . You cannot use the card in grocery stores or with non-participating farmers.

Food benefits will be issued this year by the end of May, and they are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Current issued food benefits expire November 30, 2026.

When making a purchase, present the benefit card as you would a debit or credit card. The farmer will scan the card and enter the amount, and you will confirm the amount by entering a PIN number. Your transaction is complete.

Checking your card balance

If you have a benefits card, you can check your balance online .