June 15, 2020 to August 31, 2020

The annual Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is available to eligible residents of Allegheny County. Eligible individuals may receive one set of checks worth $24 to be spent at participating farmers markets.

The 2020 Senior Farmers Market Program will look different this year due to COVID-19. The distribution of checks will not occur at senior centers. Instead, checks will be distributed by mail to eligible Allegheny County residents that complete an application. Applications may be downloaded from the website: https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Human-Services/Programs-Services/Basic-Needs/Senior-Farmers-Market-Nutrition-Program.aspx. Applications may also be requested by emailing [email protected] or by calling (412) 350-4219. Only completed applications received by September 24, 2020 will be processed.

Completed applications may be emailed to:  [email protected]

Mail completed paper applications to:

Area Agency on Aging
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
2100 Wharton Street, 2^nd Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15203

Check distribution begins on Tuesday, June 16. Checks are distributed on a first come, first served basis, no exceptions.

The checks may be used through November 30 to purchase produce that is grown in Pennsylvania or purchased directly from a Pennsylvania farmer. Examples of Pennsylvania produce are apples, beans, berries, carrots, grapes, melons, spinach and tomatoes. Consumers must spend the entire $6.00 check; change will not be given. Lost or stolen checks will not be replaced.

Eligibility:

• Allegheny County resident
• 60 years of age or older (by December 31, 2020)
• Meet the income guidelines (self-reported):
  • One-person household: At or below $23,606
  • Two-person household: At or below $31,894*

*Married couples may each receive one set of checks

• Older adults living in a residential facility that provides meals are not eligible to receive checks

Seniors who are 60+ years old during the program year and meet the income requirements are eligible for the SFMNP. Income is total income (including interest, Social security, wages, etc.)  The SFMNP does not include seniors who are living in nursing home facilities, convents and residential facilities where meals are provided.

The 2020 household income eligibility is:

** note Child support is counted as household income, unless the child is a foster child.

Income means income before any deductions such as income taxes, Social Security taxes, insurance premiums, charitable contributions, bonds, etc. 

Income includes:

1. Monetary compensation for services including wages, salary, commissions or fees
2. Income from nonfarm self-employment
3. Net income from farm self-employment
4. Social Security
5. Dividends or interest on savings or bonds or income from estates or trusts
6. Net rental income
7. Public assistance or welfare payments
8. Unemployment compensation
9. Government civilian employee or military retirement or pensions or veterans payments
10. Private pensions or annuities
11. Alimony or child support payments
12. Regular contributions from persons not living in the household
13. Net royalties
14. Other cash income

Market Information

To locate a participating farmers market or farm stand download the FMNP app. The PA FMNP app is available in the Google Play store and the Apple Store for free. Search for PA FMNP farmers market locator and down load the app. Or go to www.pafmnp.org to search the online farmers market and farm stand database.

2020 Program Summary

2020 SFMNP Application with Rights Responsibilities

Chinese

2020 Program Summary – Chinese

2020 Application – Chinese

Nepali

2020 Program Summary – Nepali

2020 Application – Nepali

Russian

2020 Program Summary – Russian

2020 Application – Russian