Department of Agriculture and Forestry, State of Louisiana - Mike Strain DVM, Commissioner

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain, DVM, encourages senior citizens 60 years old and older who meet certain income requirements to contact their parish Council on Aging to participate in the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). (In New Orleans, contact Catholic Charities). The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry secured a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to participate in the 2023 program allowing senior citizens to buy locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, cut herbs, and honey at farmers’ markets and roadside stands. 

All participants must be at least 60 years old and have a household income of not more than 185% of the poverty level. For one person in the household, the annual household income level would be $25,142 or less and for two persons in the household, the annual household income level would be $33,874 or less.

• Through the grant, those who qualify will receive a food benefits card with a value of $50. The SFMNP food benefits card may only be used to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, cut herbs, and honey approved by the Louisiana Farmers Market Nutrition Program from farmers at approved farmers’ markets and roadside stands (or farm stands).
• Food benefits cards are not permitted for grocery stores or non-participating farmers. Only farmers that have signed “Farmer Participation Agreements” with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry may accept the food benefits cards.
• Current issue food benefits will expire on November 30, 2023. Each senior who receives a food benefits card also will receive a directory, listing participating farmers’ markets and roadside stands where the food benefits may be spent.

Seniors must apply every year. Seniors who received food benefits in 2022 will not automatically receive them this year. Seniors who qualify for the food benefits cards must go to their local parish Council on Aging to re-apply for the program. (In New Orleans, contact Catholic Charities).

Seniors who receive commodities through the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Food for Seniors Program; those who have a Letter of Eligibility for the Louisiana Purchase Card (SNAP); those who have a Letter of Eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI); or those who receive Medicaid are pre-qualified for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program because the income level to qualify for those programs is less than for this program. Those who pre-qualify still need to complete an application for the farmers’ market food benefits card in order to participate.