SFMNP offers kupuna $50 vouchers for food from farmers’ markets | News, Sports, Jobs
Kupuna participating in the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program will be able to redeem $50 in coupons at farmers markets like this one at the Queen Ka’ahumanu Center in 2022. Applications for the program are currently being accepted through MEO. — Photo courtesy of MEO
Applications for the popular Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which provides low-income seniors with $50 coupons for fresh produce from Maui farmers markets, are being accepted by Maui Economic Opportunity.
Each participant will receive 10 $5 coupons, totaling $50, to redeem for locally grown, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey from a licensed farmer or farmers’ market.
The purchase period runs from April 1 to October 31. The program is only offered on the island of Maui, County.
To qualify, an applicant must be at least 60 years old, reside on the island of Maui, and meet annual household income requirements. For example, the required income for a single person is a maximum of $32,024 and $43,475 for a family of two.
Seniors can use their coupons at authorized outlets, which will carry a sign indicating that they accept SFMNP coupons. There will be no cash change and seniors are encouraged to spend each $5 coupon as much as possible. Agents can be appointed for purchases by completing a form.
Hours and locations of farmers markets and outlets will be included in the coupon book.
Completed applications are available by going to the MEO website www.meoinc.org and clicking on “SFMNP 2024 application” below “Quick links.” The URL is https://tinyurl.com/yy2z6p9w.
Applications may also be obtained by calling (808) 243-2990 or emailing rosemelynda.leano@meoinc.org.
Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted.
The goal of the program is to help low-income seniors improve their health and nutrition through fresh food while supporting local farmers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Nutrition Service grant is administered by MEO in Maui.
