All About the 2025 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) in Sonoma County, CA

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is a federally funded program with the goal of providing limited-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the annual program.

SFMNP is now on EBT cards — What does that mean?

In 2025, the SFMNP program is transitioning to an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card system. Instead of vouchers like in years past, eligible seniors will receive a card, called the Farmers’ Market Card. The card will act like a debit card seniors can use at participating vendors’ booths at authorized farmers markets.

The cards can be used to purchase fresh, unprepared, locally grown produce, cut herbs, and raw honey.

The EBT card system has the following advantages, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Flexible shopping: Purchases can be made in any dollar amount.
Benefit protection: Lost or stolen cards can be replaced.
Benefit tracking: Check your benefit balance by creating an account on the Participant Portal.

Am I eligible for 2025 SFMNP?

You are eligible if you meet all of the following eligibility requirements.

Age 60 years or older
Household annual income does not exceed 185% of the poverty level
You have not yet received SFMNP for the 2025 season

Click here to see a more comprehensive chart with income eligibility guidelines.

How much in benefits do eligible seniors get with 2025 SFMNP?

Each card is worth $50.

Seniors using the card can make purchases in any dollar amount until the total amount is used up.

When and where can I get a SFMNP card in Sonoma County, CA?

Petaluma Bounty and West County Community Services are the distribution partners working with Sonoma County Area Agency on Aging in 2025.

Click here for Petaluma Bounty’s September 2025 distribution schedule.

Please contact West County Community Services directly for their distribution plans.

Can someone else pick up the SFMNP card for me?

Yes, seniors can designate an individual to act as their authorized representative or “Proxy” to sign and receive a SFMNP card and make purchases at authorized farmers markets. Click here (or the button below) for the proxy form.

Click here for the proxy form

Where and how can I use SFMNP?

Seniors who receive SFMNP can use them directly at a participating vendor’s booth at the farmers markets. The vendor will process the card using a smartphone or tablet.

Visit the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s website to find a list of authorized farmers markets and participating vendors. The lists are updated regularly.

What can I buy with SFMNP?

SFMNP can be used to buy fresh, unprepared, locally grown produce (fruits, vegetables, mushrooms), cut herbs, and raw honey from authorized vendors.

SFMNP may NOT be used to purchase the following: Eggs, dairy, meat, seafood, nuts, dried fruit (including raisins), baked goods, olive oil, hummus, salsa, juice, processed foods, flowers, plants, or non-food items. *

Click here to see CDFA’s guidelines listing approved produce.