Get Farmers Market Vouchers for Free Fruits and Veggies

You may get coupons worth up to $50 to spend at your local farmers' market.

A stylish woman wearing a hat choosing fresh scallions at a farmer's market.

Stretching your grocery money? Every bit — or bite — counts, and even a single grocery store coupon can help you save.

You may qualify to get extra cash to buy fresh fruits and vegetables to round out your meals through the Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP).

AARP Foundation has been helping people find ways to save money for more than 60 years. Here’s what you need to know.


Do I Qualify?

You must be age 60 and earning a limited income, usually under $2,906 a month if you live alone. Rules may change each year — the best way to know if you qualify is to call and ask.

If you already get free grocery money as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or monthly food packages from the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), you may qualify automatically.


How Does It Work?

The program, which supports farmers and helps prevent food waste, runs from May through September. Once enrolled, you’ll receive coupons or checks you can use to buy locally grown foods, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and even honey at:

  • Farmers Markets
  • Roadside Stands
  • Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs

The coupon or check you receive will be worth at least $20 and up to $50. You may get more than $50 to spend, depending on which state you live in.

Image of an older woman, standing in a grocery store aisle, looking at an item she pulled off the shelf.

How Do I Apply?

Nearly every state offers this money-saving benefit. More than 800,000 seniors across the country participate — but many more are eligible. You can apply through the local agency managing the program where you live.

Apply in your state

Find Other Resources to Ease Your Budget

Whether or not you’re eligible for farmers market vouchers, there are thousands of other programs available that help pay for home heating and cooling, health care, prescriptions, food, and other expenses.