Lower-income older adults in Missouri may now enroll in the 2025 Missouri Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which provides assistance for purchasing fresh local produce.
The program, operated by the Missouri Department of Agriculture, gives qualifying individuals a $50 benefit to spend on fresh vegetables, fruits, cooking herbs and local honey from authorized vendors at farmers markets and roadside stands from May through October, according to a news release.
Adults in participating counties who are age 60 or older and have an income within 185% of the federal poverty level qualify for the benefit.
University of Missouri Extension is one of several agencies that facilitate program enrollment through local contacts and events, said Lynn Pickerel, strategic communications associate for MU Extension Health and Human Sciences.
In 2024, MU Extension helped the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program provide $42,871 worth of local produce to more than 1,200 seniors. In a survey of participants, 77% said they consumed more vegetables and fruits because of the program, according to the release.
Pickerel said feedback from past program participants has been positive and included comments such as, “The farmers market is a great place to get fresh produce and a way to get some steps in” and “I am grateful for the financial help toward fresh fruits and vegetables.”
More about the Missouri Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is available through the Missouri Grown website.
