Farmer's Market Checks 2024 Program Info

What is the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)?

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program – sometimes called “market checks” or “market vouchers” – provides an annual allotment of checks to redeem at participating area farmers markets for fresh produce and honey. Participating vendors will have a placard on display at their stall.

For 2024, the program will provide ten $5.00 checks ($50.00 total). The 2024 season runs from June 1 – October 31.

Who is eligible?

Participants must…

  • Be 60 or older at the time of applying;

  • Live in the Heritage AAA service region: Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn and Washington counties; and

  • Meet income guidelines set by the Dept. of Agriculture:

    • Single: yearly income less than $27,861 (equal to $2,321 per month)

    • Couples: yearly income less than $37,814 (equal to $3,151 per month)

How do I apply?

Everyone who received checks from Heritage AAA in 2023 will automatically be mailed an application for 2024. If you did not participate in 2023 or need to update your address, please call Heritage AAA to provide your name and contact information: 319-398-5559.

Applications received by Heritage AAA will be reviewed for eligibility. Heritage AAA will begin mailing checks to eligible applicants in early June.

FAQs

What if both individuals in the household are 60+ and meet the income guidelines?
Couples may qualify for each person to receive a set of checks.

What if there are more than two people in my household?
Contact Heritage AAA to confirm income guidelines for households of 3 or more.

If I can’t go to the market, can someone use my checks for me?
Participants can designate someone as a “proxy” to attend the market and redeem checks on their behalf. The Proxy should be registered on the participant’s application.

Can I sign up in-person?
Heritage AAA staff will attend a handful of markets over the season to offer in-person registration, but will not be at every market in our region. Your best bet for signing up and receiving checks in a timely manner is to mail in the application.

If I use my ten checks before the season ends, can I receive another set?
You cannot. Each individual can receive only one set of checks per year.

Can vendors make change if my total is not a $5 increment?
Vendors cannot make change for SFMNP checks. For example, if you purchase $8 worth of tomatoes and use two $5 checks, the vendor cannot make change for the difference. In this scenario, Heritage AAA would recommend considering a different quantity that costs $5 or $10, or using one $5 check and $3 cash. Smart shopping can help reduce waste when it comes to your $50 allotment.

Can I use my checks to buy produce or honey at the grocery store?
You cannot. SFMNP checks are only valid with participating vendors at farmers markets.

What happens if I don’t use all of my checks?
Checks not used by Oct. 31 cannot be redeemed and will not be accepted by vendors. Heritage AAA strongly urges participants to use all of their checks during the season. Usage rates for this season will affect funding for next year, so higher usage is important for maintaining the program.

How do I know which vendors accept SFMNP checks?
Participating vendors will have a placard like the one below on display at their stall.

Harrison March