Updated: August 2022 | Find the latest information and resources at acl.gov/senior-nutrition | Page 1 

Farmers’ Market Tips and Tricks

The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program 

Do you find your food budget running low? Does this make it hard to purchase fresh 

produce? You may benefit from the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program 

(SFMNP), which provides access to local fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs. The 

SFMNP gives vouchers to older adults so they can go to their local farmers’ market to 

shop for fresh produce.

The United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA) funds the SFMNP, but each state 

manages and administers the program differently. Not all farmers’ markets 

participate in the SFMNP. Check with your state program and local market before 

going if you want to use your benefits. Find local farmers’ markets using the USDA 

National Farmers' Market Directory. 

How to Apply

If you are age 60 or older and meet income requirements – for example, a oneperson household with an annual income of $13,590 or a two-person household with 

an annual income of $18,310 – you can qualify. Your local Cooperative Extension 

Agency may be able to help you learn more about eating healthy and help to apply 

for the SFMNP. USDA also has SFMNP State Agency contact information, and you can 

see if you qualify at Benefits.Gov. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for help 

finding resources you may need using the Eldercare Locator. 

Farmers’ Market Shopping Tips

• Purchase produce that is in season. Some farmers even have produce 

available in the winter.

• Talk with vendors at the farmers’ market and find out what will be available 

the next time you come. Use this information to plan your purchases.

• Buy only what you need for that week, so produce does not go to waste.

• Consider canning or freezing produce if you purchase more than you can eat 

in a short time.
Updated: August 2022 | Find the latest information and resources at acl.gov/senior-nutrition | Page 2 

• Plan to prepare or store produce safely, so it will be available when you need it. 

Use the City of Seattle’s Fruit & Vegetable Storage Guide to learn how to 

properly store produce.

Produce Tips & Tricks

Fresh fruits and vegetables are important to a healthy diet. However, every food item 

has the potential to be harmful if not stored or prepared properly. Bacteria or germs 

can affect produce during growth, harvest, storage, and preparation. Make sure you 

are following safe steps with produce to decrease the chances for a foodborne 

illness. 

Buying Produce

• Keep produce separate from meat, poultry, and seafood when packing them 

to take home.

• When buying pre-cut produce, make sure it is stored in a cold environment or 

on ice at the market. 

• Inspect produce for quality – choose produce that is not bruised or damaged. 

Storing Produce

• Store produce properly. Produce that requires refrigeration should be stored at 

40 degrees Fahrenheit. Some produce must be stored in a dry, cool location.

• Refrigerate all pre-cut produce at home.

Preparing Produce

• Cut away any damaged areas on the produce before preparing or eating.

• Wash all produce under running water before preparing or eating. Do not use 

soap or detergents. 

• Even if you do not plan to eat the skin, wash the produce before you peel so no

bacteria get under the skin when peeling.

• Use a produce brush on firm produce.

• After washing produce, dry with a clean cloth or paper towel to avoid 

contamination with bacteria.