Extending Senior Food Access through Community Partnership
The Jefferson County Food Bank Association (JCFBA) is proud to partner with the Jefferson County Farmers Markets (JCFM), OlyCAP, and WSU Jefferson/Clallam County Extension (WSU) to expand access to fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables for our senior community members. As part of the collaborative effort, JCFBA will assist in the distribution of Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) cards and bulk produce subscriptions this summer.
Seniors with incomes at or below 185% of the federal poverty line are encouraged to apply for the program starting in May. This initiative aims to support our mission of providing nutritious food options to those in need, particularly the seniors who constitute a significant portion of our clients. In 2023, JCFBA served an average of 2,600 households per month, including over 7,000 individuals. The demand has increased in 2024, with 3,200 households served in the first quarter alone.
Patricia Hennessy, Executive Director of JCFBA, emphasized the importance of this program:
“41% of individuals who visit our food banks qualify for this program. We are thrilled about this partnership and to be part of providing nutritious and local food choices to our customers. This is a win-win combination for seniors and local producers.”
The SFMNP program provides lower-income older adults with food benefits to purchase fresh, locally-grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey. Eligible participants include adults 60 years old (55+ if Native American/Alaska Native) with household incomes up to $2,322 for an individual or $3,152 for a household of two. This federally funded program supports local agriculture by increasing the purchasing power of seniors.
This year, Jefferson County seniors can choose between two convenient options for participating in SFMNP:
Market Purchases: This option allows seniors to spend SFMNP benefits directly with farmers at the Jefferson County Farmers Markets and access the JCFM $30 Market match. Qualifying seniors can choose to receive a card similar to a credit/debit card loaded with $80 to spend on fresh produce at the farmers market. Alternatively, participants can access their benefits through a shopper app on a cell phone or tablet. Participants spend their benefits directly with approved farms at the Port Townsend or Chimacum farmers markets or other participating farmers markets in Washington State.
Bulk Produce Share: New this year, seniors can pick up a monthly bulk local produce share at Jefferson County Food Banks. This option includes approximately $20 per month in locally grown food, available for pickup in July, August, September, and October, totaling about $80 worth of fresh produce. This ensures accessibility for those who cannot attend the farmers markets due to distance or other challenges.
Amanda Milholland, Executive Director of JCFM, highlighted the importance of the bulk option:
“We are excited to better serve communities in Jefferson County that neighbor a food bank but are far from a farmers market, such as Brinnon and Quilcene. The bulk option ensures that people who qualify for the program but are unable to attend the Market due to work, mobility, or transportation challenges will have another option for accessing fresh, locally grown food.”
To register for SFMNP, visit the information booth at the Port Townsend or Chimacum Farmers Market, OlyCAP, or one of the Jefferson County Food Banks. Applications are also available online at JCF Markets Food Access and at the JCFM office, 618 Polk Street, Port Townsend. For more information, contact info@jcfmarkets.org.
JCFM is seeking community support to help cover the farmers market match given to participating seniors and the cost of administering this program. Donations allow JCFM to extend federal food benefits with matching funds, empowering food-insecure adults to access nutritious food grown by local farms. Help us continue the JCFM match for this program by donating to your farmers market: JCF Markets Donate.
Contact Information:
JCFBA: Patricia Hennessy, Executive Director, patricia@jcfba.org, 360-316-9040
JCFM: Amanda Milholland, Executive Director, info@jcfmarkets.org, 360-379-9098
WSU: Sallie Constant, Farm-to-Community Coordinator, WSU Extension Clallam and Jefferson County, sallie.constant@wsu.edu, 360-460-0248
