Most of the information contained on this webpage can also be found on the State of Alabama Farmers Market Authority webpage.

What is the SFMNP? 
Goals of the Program
Eligiblility Requirements 
How to use your SFMNP Coupons 
Distribution Sites 

What is the SFMNP?                                 (Back to top)

The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides a direct tie between production agriculture and nutrition by providing Seniors the opportunity to buy fresh local produce directly from farmers.  Eligible Seniors can come to the SFMNP distribution site on the day and time listed below to sign up for their Farmer's Market Coupons.  No person is "entitled" to SFMNP coupons; as the budget does not allow enough coupons to satisfy everyone who wishes to receive them and is eliglible.  Issuance is on a first come - first serve basis until a county's allotted books are issued.

Goals of the Program                                (Back to top)

• To provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs from farmers markets and roadside stands to low-income Seniors.
• To increase domestic consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding or aiding in the expansion of farmers markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs.
• To develop or aid in the development of new and additional farmers markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs.

Eligiblility Requirements                           (Back to top)

• You must live in the county that you pick up the coupons from.
• You must be 60 years of age or older on the day of issuance.
• A Proxy may act on behalf of two eligible clients.
• Your household gross income cannot exceed:
  $18,200----for a household of----1 ($1,517.00 monthly)
  $24,500----for a household of----2 ($2,042.00 monthly)
  $30,800----for a household of----3 ($2,567.00 monthly)
  

How to use your SFMNP Coupons              (Back to top)

You Choose a farmers market from the State of Alabama Farmers Market Authority list of redemptions sites.  All markets are self-governing.  It is important that you note the market's days and hours of operation and inquire locally for exact opening and closing dates.  (These dates may or may not coincide with the valid dates to redeem SFMNP coupons, April 15 - November 15).

Your coupons do not have to be used in your county.  They can be used in any approved redemption site in Alabama. 

Walk through the market to compare the variety, quality, and price of the produce items on display at each farmer's stand before deciding what you will buy. The State of Alabama Farmers Market Authority also has a Produce Availability Chart that can show you when many of the fruits and vegetables will be in season.

Use your SFMNP coupons to buy fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs from farmers who display the "Farmers Market Nutrition Program" sign.  If you have any questions about selecting and preparing fresh produce, please ask the farmers.

In 2009, each coupon book will contain 5 coupons worth $6.00 each.   

You cannot receive change from a coupon.  If your purchase is less than the amount of one or more coupons, the farmer will add more fruits and vegetables of your choice to make up the difference.

You are welcome to use cash at the market to buy additional fresh produce.

You cannot use your coupons to buy non-produce items, ornamental pumpkins, or gourds.

The SFMNP coupons cannot be used at a grocery store or any location that is not listed on the State of Alabama Farmers Market Authority list of redemptions sites. 

Distribution Sites                                     (Back to top)

Farmers Market Coupon Books will be given out on a first come, first serve basis to those that meet the requirements.
Calhoun County 
Chambers County 
Cherokee County 
Clay County 
Cleburne County 
Coosa County 
Etowah County 
Randolph County 
Talladega County 
Tallapoosa County 

If you have questions about the distribution sites, please call us at 1-800-AGE-LINE.  If you have any complaints or questions about the SFMNP, please call 1-334-242-2618.