FRESHFARM Brings Food Access to Seniors in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties
We Are Expanding Our Food Access Reach In Northern Virginia
We are pleased to announce that the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) has awarded FRESHFARM funding to administer Virginia’s Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (VSFMNP) in Loudoun and Fairfax Counties.
Virginia SFMNP, also known as Farm Market Fresh, provides checks to low-income residents aged 60 or older, which can be exchanged with authorized farmers for fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and fresh-cut herbs at approved farmers markets and roadside stands. Eligible participants will receive $50 worth of checks to use between June 1 and November 18, 2023.
How to Apply for VSFMNP
Income eligibility was raised in 2023 from the current 150 percent of the federal poverty level to 185 percent, potentially reaching 70,000 more eligible individuals. This equates to a monthly income at or below $2,248 for one person or $3,040 for two people.
Starting last month, older adults are able to complete an application online for Fairfax and Loudoun Counties. Participation is limited, and applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
“This development is a great example of the public-private partnerships that underpin our mission and work,” notes Nick Stavely, Director of Incentive Programs. “We are committed to improving food access across the Mid-Atlantic region, and adding Virginia SMFNP to our incentive programs portfolio, which includes FreshMatch, DC Produce Plus, and Washington DC’s SFMNP, will help FRESHFARM extend our impact deeper into Virginia, reaching thousands of underresourced seniors.”
Learn About VSFMNP & Apply Today
VSFMNP agricultural partners include the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Virginia Department of Health, Virginia Farmers Market Association, Virginia State University, and Virginia Fresh Match.
