5,000 local food benefit cards for eligible Seniors to buy fruit and veggies

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s (DEM) Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) will distribute about 5,000 benefit cards to eligible seniors to purchase fresh, RI Grown fruit and vegetables, as well as local honey. The SFMNP benefit cards preloaded with $50 will be distributed from senior centers throughout the state starting June 1, 2025, and are valid through November 30. Eligible seniors can apply to participate in the SFMNP through their local senior center or other applicable nutrition program, with sign-up locations listed on the  SFMNP webpage at www.dem.ri.gov/sfmnp.

The SFMNP helps eligible seniors access fresh, locally grown food, supports Rhode Island farmers, and keeps food assistance dollars in the state. DEM works closely with the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging (OHA) to identify communities in need and ensure an equitable distribution across the state. Since the program began, DEM and its partners have strived to reach underserved groups, including homebound seniors. To support this, DEM is again partnering with Farm Fresh Rhode Island (FFRI) to deliver a limited number of produce boxes directly to homebound seniors. DEM will purchase wholesale RI Grown produce from local farmers and collaborate with senior focused organizations to raise awareness of the program. Additionally, individuals who are disabled and living in a housing facility with congregate nutrition services may also be eligible.

Fewer than one-third of senior citizens in the United States eat the recommended portion of fruits and vegetables, which are vital to preventing and treating health problems. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service has been running the SFMNP since 2001, with federal funding for the program provided by the Farm Bill.

SFMNP benefit cards will be distributed to over 90 senior sites statewide from June 1 to Sept. 30, or until funds run out. Participants can use the $50 benefit from June 1 to Nov. 30 at eligible farmers markets and farm stands. No smartphone is needed – each participant receives a physical card with a scannable QR code for purchase. 

RI organizations that work with seniors and want to get involved can contact DEM’s Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment at dem.sfmnp@dem.ri.gov. DEM will offer training for senior site staff and participating producers. Organizations seeking to partner with the SFMNP to provide program benefits to eligible seniors that they serve can sign up here. Farmers and businesses interested in becoming an approved SFMNP direct seller or producer can sign up here.