Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

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The Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides low-income seniors funds to purchase locally grown fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, honey and herbs at approved farmers markets. The program is federally funded and administered locally by the Sonoma County Area Agency on Aging.

NEW in 2025: Benefits Will Be on Cards

In 2025, SFMNP is transitioning to an electronic benefits 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 (fruits, vegetables, mushrooms), cut herbs, and raw honey.

Petaluma Bounty’s 2025 SFMNP Distribution Schedule

Petaluma Bounty will assist program administration by distributing cards at several farmers markets. Our distribution schedule is as follows. Please note that distribution is by first come, first served basis while supplies last.

  • Tuesday, August 5 – Petaluma Eastside, 10:00 a.m. – Lucchesi Park
  • Wednesday, August 6 – Santa Rosa Farmers Lane, 9:00 a.m. – Farmers Lane Plaza
  • Saturday, August 9 – Santa Rosa Original, 8:30 a.m. – Luther Burbank Center
  • Sunday, August 10 – Sebastopol, 9:30 a.m. – Sebastopol Plaza
  • Wednesday, August 13 – Cotati, 4:30 p.m. – La Plaza
  • Saturday, August 23 – Petaluma Walnut Park, 2:00 p.m. – Walnut Park
  • Saturday, August 30 – Santa Rosa Farmers Lane, 8:30 a.m. – Farmers Lane Plaza

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 will distribute Sonoma County’s share of SFMNP cards in 2025. Petaluma Bounty will distribute the cards at several farmers markets. Scroll to the top of this page, or click here to see our schedule.

Call West County Community Services at (707) 823-1640 x403 for their distribution plan.

Please note that distribution is by first come, first served while supplies last.

Can I have 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.

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.

What is the expiration date for 2025 SFMNP? 

Customers must use up 2025 SFMNP by November 30, 2025.

For more information

  • About Petaluma Bounty’s distribution, contact Petaluma People Services Center: (707) 765-8488 or cares@petalumapeople.org.
  • About the program, contact Area Agency on Aging: Call (707) 565-5930 (If leaving a voicemail, include your full name, phone number, and email address) or email cwohl@schsd.org