How seniors may be able to get vouchers for produce at farmers’ markets

If you’re 60 or older, and meet income limits, you may be able to get vouchers to use at a farmers’ market this summer.

The NC Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is a summer-only program that provides vouchers in participating counties to eligible lower-income older adults to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, and fresh cut herbs at NC SFMNP-certified farmers’ markets.

This summertime program is designed to improve the nutrition of older adults and increase business for local farmers and farmers’ markets.

NOTE: SFMNP vouchers are not guaranteed. Even if a person meets the eligibility requirements above, there may not be enough funds for all eligible persons to receive SFMNP vouchers.

This program is funded by the USDA, a federal agency, so cuts to the USDA may affect this program. We don’t have information about if and how it may be affected.

Another program that provides farmers’ market vouchers is the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, part of WIC. And SNAP is accepted (and doubled) at many farmers’ markets.

Information about the 2025 summer program will be available in June, including a list of local agencies to contact for SFMNP applications and a list of participating farmers’ markets.

You can fill out the 2025 NC SFMNP Voucher Interest Form to add your contact information to the SFMNP interest list. In June those on the interest list will be notified if they live in a county that participates in the program and if so, the contact information for the local agency that will handle SFMNP applications, eligibility screening, and voucher distribution. This is not an application but it’s a way to know as soon as applications are open.

You might be interested in this list of 30+ farmers’ markets in the Charlotte area.

 

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