Program served over 10,000 eligible seniors and elders last year
Source: New Mexico Department of Health
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) will begin accepting applications for the 2024 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) starting Thursday, Feb. 15.
The program, overseen by the state’s Women, Infants and Children program (WIC), provides income-eligible seniors and elders a shopper card with a one-time annual benefit of up to $100 to buy locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey at participating farmers’ markets and roadside stands statewide. Visit SFMNP for a list of locations.
Funding for the program comes from Governor Michele Lujan Grisham’s Food Initiative program and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service.
“Thanks to the continued support of the Governor’s Food Initiative, WIC Farmers Market Program has collaborated with state Aging & Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) Aging Network and Human Services Commodity Supplemental Food Program coordinators, to distribute over 20,000 lbs. of fresh, locally sourced produce bags to eligible WIC and senior participants,” said Sarah Flores Sievers, New Mexico WIC and Farmers Market Director. “This additional funding has allowed us to exceed our target of a 50% increase in benefit redemptions compared to 2022.”
“The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program benefits are valued not only by the senior recipients but by the local program providers who see the impact on senior nutrition and well-being,” said ALTSD Aging Network Director Denise King. “Incorporating a wide variety of locally grown produce can enhance the quality of life for seniors, keeping them healthier longer and helping to combat chronic health conditions.”
WIC operates the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program in addition to the Farmers Market Nutrition Program for families eligible for WIC services.
To qualify for the SFMNP, Native American elders (adults 55 and older) and Non-Native American senior adults (60 and older) who live in New Mexico, need to apply for the program to determine eligibility based on household size and individual senior income. First-time applicants are welcome and previous applicants must reapply to confirm they are still eligible for the benefits.
This year, seniors have, for the first time, the option to apply online at shopper.soliportal.com. Paper applications are still available at any DOH public health office, specifically at the WIC front counter, as well as local senior centers, AAA and AARP offices statewide.
For more information call (505) 469-0548, (505) 487-0904 or email doh.fmnp@doh.nm.gov.
