Qualifying Lancaster County residents age 60 and over can apply for coupons that can be exchanged for eligible foods at farmers markets, roadside stands and community-supported agriculture programs. The coupons, available through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), are good for fruits, vegetables, honey and fresh-cut herbs. The coupons will be distributed through a random drawing based on the number of coupons available for Lancaster County.
Aging Partners has scheduled a series of application workshops for eligible seniors in May. Anyone interested must apply at one of the workshops to be eligible for the random drawing:
Gross income cannot exceed $23,106.50 for a single-person household or $31,283.50 for a two-person household. The maximum benefit per household, per season is $48. Residents may send someone to register on their behalf, providing the proxy brings a statement of permission as well as income and age documentation for the participant.
Coupons will be distributed to the selected recipients in early June, and they are valid through October. Participants must re-apply every year, and coupons are never guaranteed. Selected applicants will be given information on how to pick up their coupons. The SFMNP is administered by the Department of Agriculture in Nebraska. Local area agencies on aging are responsible for distributing the coupons.