Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program applications accepted

Applications for the popular Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which offers $50 in coupons for fresh produce at farmers markets to income-qualifying Maui-island kupuna, are being accepted by Maui Economic Opportunity.

The 10 $5 coupons will be distributed to confirmed applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted, usually by May or June. Coupons may be used for unprocessed locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey from an authorized farmer or farmers market.

Applications may be filled out and submitted online at https://bit.ly/2026-SFMNP. 

Paper applications may be requested by calling Maui Planning and Coordinating Council Coordinator Rosemelynda Leano by phone at 808-243-4313 or by email at rosemelynda.leano@meoinc.org. Completed applications may be emailed to her, mailed or dropped off at MEO, 99 Mahalani St., Wailuku, HI 96793.

The qualifications are:

• 60 years of age or older.
• Reside on Maui island. (Program only is offered on Maui).
• Meet annual household income requirements ($33,966 for one person, $46,046 for two people, and add $12,080 for each additional person, including children).

Each individual can make only one request for the SFMNP year ‒ with coupons redeemable from April 1 to Oct. 31. 

Seniors may use their coupons at authorized outlets, which will have a sign indicating they accept SFMNP coupons. There will be no cash change, and seniors are urged to spend as much of each $5 coupon as possible. Proxies may be designated for purchases by filling out a form.

Schedules and locations of farmers markets and outlets will be included with the coupon booklet.

The goal of the program, funded by the US Department of Agriculture, is to help low-income seniors improve their health and nutrition with fresh food while also aiding local farmers.