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Food benefits for seniors

Information about the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

About the program

LDAF secured a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to participate in the 2024 program allowing senior citizens to buy locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, cut herbs, and honey at farmers markets and roadside stands. 

Checking your card balance

If you have a benefits card, you can check your balance online .

Applying for benefits

Applications for 2024 are closed since we reached the maximum number of applications that we have funds to serve. You may apply for 2025 benefits beginning in late January.

You must apply every year.  Seniors who received food benefits this year will not automatically receive them next year.

When available and if eligible, contact your parish  Council on Aging  to participate in the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). (In New Orleans, contact  Catholic Charities ). Eligibility:

  • Age: 60 years or older on the day you apply

  • Income: Household income before tax (gross income) must not exceed:

    • $2322 monthly if one person in household

    • $3152 monthly if two people in household

If you are already enrolled in any of the programs below, you pre-qualify for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program because the income level to qualify for these programs is less than for this program. (You still need to complete and application to participate).

  • U.S. Department of Agriculture – Food for Seniors Program

  • Louisiana Purchase Card (SNAP)

  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

  • Medicaid

Using your benefits card

Those who qualify receive a food benefits card with a value of $50 as well as a printout of our farmers market directory . You can use the card to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, cut herbs, and honey at the approved farmers markets and roadside stands (or farm stands). You cannot use the card in grocery stores or with non-participating farmers.

Current issued food benefits expire November 30, 2024.

When making a purchase, present the benefit card as you would a debit or credit card. The farmer will scan the card and enter the amount, and you will confirm the amount by entering a PIN number. Your transaction is complete.