Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
UPDATE: April 19, 2024 - Farmer - Vendors may apply to be an authorized vendor from now until May 15th
WIC and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP and SFMNP) will continue with check issuance for the 2024 season. Please check back on this website for your closest local agency distribution site by June 1st, 2024.
Welcome to the 2023 Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
The Alaska Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides low-income seniors with checks that can be exchanged for fresh Alaska-grown fruits, vegetables, fresh-cut herbs and honey at participating farmers’ markets, authorized farms, and roadside stands within Alaska. Each eligible senior that applies may receive $40 in checks that may be used from June 1 through October 31, 2023. Checks for the SFMNP will be provided to eligible applicants through distribution agencies on a first-come, first-serve basis in areas with authorized farmers. Questions may be directed to the State of Alaska WIC Program via email at doh.dpa.wic.vendor@alaska.gov.
Interested farmers and market managers can find more information on the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program webpage.
Documents For Seniors
Additional Documents for our Program:
Farmers' Market FAQ's
Who is eligible for Senior Farmers’ Market checks?
Seniors aged 60 or older whose income is less than 185% of the federal poverty level at the time of application and who live in areas with SFMNP authorized farmer-vendors are encouraged to apply.Benefits are issued on a first come, first serve basis.
How do I get Senior Farmers’ Market checks?
If you are an eligible senior, you can apply and pick up checks at your closest distribution agency. See the list of distribution agencies listed above. Some agencies offer services to homebound seniors. Seniors may also have the ability to authorize a proxy to act on their behalf. Call your local distribution agency for more information.
How do the checks work?
Each eligible person receives a booklet of checks for the summer growing season.
Where are the Farmers' Markets and farm stands?
The Senior Farmers' Market Program operates in areas with WIC authorized farmers' markets, farm stands and/or farms. In 2022, this included Anchorage, Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Southeast Alaska. See the list of approved sales locations on the WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program webpage.
What foods are eligible?
Eligible foods are fresh, unprepared, Alaskan-grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey. Processed or prepared foods are not eligible. Cider and pre-cut carrots are examples of foods that are not eligible for the program. Alaskan products such as eggs, fish and meats are not eligible.
How do I find out how to store and prepare these foods?
Your distribution agency may provide information on the nutritional value, methods of storage and recipes when you get your checks. You can also ask farmers for tips when you redeem your checks.
