If you’re 60 or older, and meet income limits, you may be able to get a voucher for $50 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.
Here’s information about the program, specifically for Mecklenburg County.
This summertime program is designed to improve the nutrition of older adults and increase business for local farmers and farmers’ markets.
The program runs from July to September 30, 2026. The vouchers must be used during this time period.
To be eligible to participate, you must meet three requirements:
- Be 60 years of age or older
- Live in a county with a participating local agency
- Have a household income of no more than 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (in 2026: $2,461/month for a 1-person household; $3,337/month for a 2-person household)
You might be interested in this list of 30+ farmers’ markets in the Charlotte area.
Where to get the vouchers
Sign up to receive a voucher at one of these farmers markets or events. Please note that you can use the vouchers at any participating farmers market, not just the ones on this list. Also, this list is just for Mecklenburg County, but other counties are participating as well.
Davidson Farmers Market
20 South Main St., Davidson, NC 28036
Saturday, July 18, 9 a.m. to noon
North Meck Community Farmers Market
21445 Catawba Ave., Cornelius, NC 28031
Wednesdays throughout July, 9 a.m. to noon
Huntersville Growers Market
201 Huntersville-Concord Road, Huntersville, NC 28078
Dates/time TBA
Matthews Community Farmers Market
188 N. Trade St., Matthews, NC 28105
Saturday, July 11, 8 a.m. to noon
Uptown Farmers Market
300 S. Davidson St., Charlotte, NC 28202
Saturday, July 18, 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Charlotte Regional Farmers Market
1801 Yorkmont Road, Charlotte, NC 28217
Friday, July 10, 2026
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where to use the vouchers
You can use the voucher at any participating farmers’ market. This is a list of participating farmers’ markets in Mecklenburg County. Other counties participate as well.
More about the NC Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
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 at farmers’ markets
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.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
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