Special to Atmore News
Escambia County Agency on Aging is now assisting seniors over the age of 60 to apply for Farmers Market Vouchers.
The program provides eligible, low-income seniors with a $50 benefit card for purchases from certified vendors. This program has limited funding, and food benefits are available on a first-come, first-served basis until available funds are committed.
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is a federally funded program administered by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. Farmers Market Authority Section issues the cards.
The Benefit Card will replace the paper vouchers issued in the past, and seniors are encouraged to keep this card in a safe place once it is received.
Benefits will be loaded to this same card each year after an application is submitted. Therefore, it is very important to keep the card, which can be used to purchase fruits, vegetables, honey and fresh-cut herbs from farmers who grow them and sell directly to consumers at markets and farm stands from May through November 15.
Please call (251) 368-1032 extensions 0, 140 or 102 to apply. The agency on Aging will take applications on all persons over the age of 60 in the household.