Program Overview
Considering that Alaska has one of the best produce in the country, the state wishes to use it wisely. Therefore, to ensure that the Alaskan-grown vegetables and fruits are used by its residents, a program has been established. It not only provides nutritious food but also provides it to the elderly portion of the population. This is the SFMNP. The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is a relief program initiated by the state of Alaska. The program aims to help the senior residents of the state with nutritious food. Along with the health of these individuals, the SFMNP can play a part in the improvement of the economy. Through this program, the state also hopes to prevent any malnutrition that may take place. This program provides low-income seniors with coupons. These coupons can be used at sanctioned farmers’ markets and farms. The coupons can be exchanged for fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey. Each eligible senior receives six coupons, each valued at $5.00. The coupons can be used for five months.
The coupons can be used to buy Alaskan-grown produce and honey. They can be redeemed at the authorized Farmers’ Market and farm stands. To find out whether out, not a farm stall is authorized, one should look out for the sign. These signs are placed at the farm stands stating that Senior Farmers’ coupons are accepted. However, these coupons have certain limitations. They cannot be used at a grocery store and the user cannot get change for unused coupons.
The program operates in areas with WIC-approved markets. As of 2019, this included Anchorage, Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, and various locals. For the complete list of approved markets, the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program webpage can be visited.
Eligibility Criteria
There are certain requirements attached to this program. These attachments ensure that the limited funding of the program is appropriately used. Along with the basic requirements of any State benefit program, there are other factors as well. The basic factors include that the person:
- Must be a resident of Alaska
- Must be U.S. Citizen or legal immigrant
- Besides these, to be eligible for this program,
One must be at least 60 years of age or older. The age for Native Americans and Alaska Natives is reduced to 55.
- For one person, annual Income must be below $33,689 and/or monthly Income must be below $2,809
- For two people, annual Income must be below $45,584 and/or monthly Income must be below $3,799
- $11,896 to Annual Income and/or $992 to Monthly Income
- One must be a resident of the county served by each distributing agency.
Eatables that are eligible for this program are fresh, unprepared, Alaskan-grown veggies, fruits, honey, and herbs. However, to ensure the healthy aspect of this program processed or prepared eatables are not eligible. Pre-cut veggies and cider are examples of food that is not eligible. Products such as eggs, fish, and meat are also not eligible under this program.
How To Apply
If you are a low-income senior who stands eligible for the program, the process is simple. You can apply and pick up the coupon from the nearest distribution agency. Homebound seniors can avail of the services offered by some agencies. The seniors can also offer a proxy on their behalf. They can hand their coupon to any other person who can buy on their behalf. More information on this can be obtained by calling the local distribution agency.
Upon the issuance of the coupon, a list is provided. The list contains information regarding the eligible farmers, farm stands, and farms in your area. However, as the printed version may not be updated with the current changes, web search is encouraged. The website of Alaska contains the most current information about the operating areas. Interested applicants can also get the nutritional value, methods of storage, and recipes upon receiving their coupon. This helps them to gain better insight into the whole program. This can also be provided by other parties. An example is farmers who can assist when you go to redeem your coupons.
For Further Information
For any further queries, the website for the state of Alaska can be visited for the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program at http://dhss.alaska.gov/dpa/Pages/nutri/fmnp/fmnpsenior.aspx
For additional information, you can visit our helpline (907) 465-3347. For detailed information about the eligibility criteria and the locals for deposition of money and distribution of “checks” in the five-county region of Spokane County, Northern Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Oreille counties, and Whitman County, please visit the website https://www.altcew.org/2019-senior-farmers-market-nutrition-program/
