Our 2023 Senior Bounty Bucks initiative is a state-funded program to supplement Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). SFMNP is a federally funded program administered in California by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).

The programs are for seniors 60 years and older with annual income not exceeding 185% of the federal poverty level.

Jump to Information for vendors

Jump to information for customers

Go to our blog post for our SFMNP and Senior Bounty Bucks distribution schedules.

Limited quantities of SFMNP

With our Senior Bounty Bucks program, we are working with the California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP) to expand the nutrition incentive benefit for seniors who receive SFMNP. That means, anyone who receives SFMNP can also receive Senior Bounty Bucks.

Unfortunately, due to the limited amount of SFMNP allocated, we regret that some people will not receive SFMNP and Senior Bounty Bucks, even if they qualify and even if they need it. This year, it was decided at the state level that Sonoma County would only receive 300 SFMNP check booklets. That’s a significant reduction from years past and less than the demand.

We regret that some people will not receive this benefit, even if they qualify and even if they need it. We know the need is greater than the capacity of this program so we will have information for additional resources on hand.

We know the need is greater than the capacity of this program so we will have information for additional resources on hand. But it is also important to demonstrate to the state that the limited number of SFMNP check booklets are well utilized. Please scroll down for information on speaking up about the program.

How Senior Bounty Bucks works

Senior Bounty Bucks is a state-funded program designed and administered by Petaluma Bounty. Senior Bonus Bucks can be used to purchase locally-grown vegetables and fruits.

Each Senior Bounty Bucks booklet 

• Contains $40 in coupons. 
• Coupons must be used by Dec. 31, 2023.
• No change is given, and coupons cannot be exchanged for cash or other coupons.

There will be six rounds of Senior Bounty Bucks and distribution will begin in August. See the distribution schedule at this link.

Why Senior Bounty Bucks is tied to SFMNP

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is a federally funded program jointly administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the California Department of Public Health’s WIC Program. It is different from CalFresh or food stamps in that it is not an entitlement program. 

Senior Bounty Bucks is funded by CDFA’s California Nutrition Incentive Program Expansion – WIC and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. The grant focuses on increasing California-grown fruit and vegetable purchases at certified farmers’ markets by shoppers using WIC and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) benefits. Although Petaluma Bounty advocated for spreading Senior Bounty Bucks to people who are eligible but unable to receive SFMNP due to its limited availability, the funding agency could not allow it. So, only seniors who receive SFMNP are eligible to receive Senior Bounty Bucks. 

This year, it was decided at the state level that Sonoma County would only receive 300 SFMNP check booklets. That’s a significant reduction from years past and less than the demand. We regret that some people will not receive this benefit, even if they qualify and even if they need it. We know the need is greater than the capacity of this program so we will have information for additional resources on hand.

But, it is also important to demonstrate to the state that the limited number of SFMNP check booklets are well utilized. 

With that in mind, we ask you to consider the following:

1. Using the SFMNP check booklets and Senior Bounty Bucks requires you or a proxy to visit participating farmers markets on a regular basis. If you can’t get to a farmers market, or you still are experiencing food insecurity, there are other programs that can help you. (We will post that information on our website and hand out flyers at distribution sites.)
2. Both SFMNP and Senior Bounty Bucks have expiration dates, have restrictions on what you can purchase, and cannot be exchanged for cash or change. Please plan ahead to ensure you and your household will use all of the funds. If you don’t use them, the funds go unclaimed and our farmers lose out, and continued or increased funding could be jeopardized. The state could assume that unused benefits mean there is not a need.
3. If you like using this benefit, you should also know that CalFresh is accepted at farmers markets and that Market Match provides a dollar for dollar match, year round.
4. If you didn’t receive SFMNP or you would like to see changes to the program, including more check booklets distribute to Sonoma County, please reach out to your state representative and state administrator of the program at (916) 214-1381. 

Information for vendors

Senior Bounty Bucks is a program that runs alongside Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). Here are the main differences.

SFMNP

• Only WIC-certified vendors at authorized certified farmers markets can accept SFMNP.
• Eligible items: Fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, and cut herbs.
• You can deposit the SFMNP vouchers at a financial institution (banks and credit unions) just like you would a check. Don’t forget to write in your WIC number on the vouchers.
• Expires Nov. 30, 2023

Senior Bounty Bucks

• All vendors at participating markets can accept Senior Bounty Bucks
• California-grown fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Turn in vouchers to your market manager to get reimbursed.
• Expires Dec. 31, 2023. Program could get extended so stay tuned.

For both programs

No change given. Do not exchange for cash or other coupons.