Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

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What is Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)?

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.

SFMNP is on Electronic Cards

In the past, SFMNP was issued as paper vouchers. In 2025, SFMNP became an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card system, called the Farmers’ Market Card. The card acts like a debit card seniors can use directly at participating vendors’ booths at authorized farmers markets.

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.

What You Can Buy

The cards can be used to purchase fresh, unprepared, locally grown produce (fruits, vegetables, mushrooms), cut herbs, and raw honey.

Am I eligible for 2026 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 Federal poverty guidelines.
  • You have not yet received SFMNP for the 2026 season.
2026-27 SFMNP Income Eligibility GuidelinesDownload

How much in benefits do eligible seniors get with 2026 SFMNP?

Each card is worth $50. Seniors using the card can make purchases in any dollar amount until the total amount is used up. 

Proxy form to authorize someone else to pick up SFMNP on your behalf

If you need to authorize someone else to pick up the SFMNP card for you, please print, fill out, and sign the below proxy form and have the designated person bring it to the distribution site.

2025 SFMNP Proxy FormDownload

Additional Benefit: Bonus Bucks

ExtraFood received state funds to run a program to issue $50 in paper vouchers to anyone who will receive SFMNP in 2026. The vouchers will be given to seniors when they receive SFMNP cards.

Vouchers are in $10 denominations. No change will be given, so seniors should purchase at least $10-worth of produce or honey from a vendor.

Deadline to use the vouchers is Dec. 31, 2026. Vouchers can be used to purchase from any vendor selling fresh produce or honey at participating farmers markets listed on the vouchers.

Please contact ExtraFood for more information about their program.

contact@extrafood.org
(415) 997-9830

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

As of Sept. 22, 2026, four more distribution dates have been set. Click here for details.

Where and how can I use SFMNP?

Seniors who receive SFMNP cards 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 2026 SFMNP? 

Customers must use up 2026 SFMNP by November 30, 2025.

For more information