Low-income Kansas seniors may be eligible for a program that provides benefits to purchase locally grown, fresh, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, cut herbs and honey at farmers markets in selected counties throughout the state.
The Kansas Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (KSFMNP) is providing seniors who meet age and income requirements with $50 to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, cut herbs and honey from authorized farmers at local participating farmers markets, June 1 through Nov. 1. To be eligible to receive KSFMNP coupons, the following criteria must be met:
- Age: A senior must be 60 years old or older, or at least 55 years old and a member of an Indian Tribal Organization, on the day the benefits are issued.
- Income level: A senior’s annual gross household income (before taxes are withheld) must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. For example, a household of one must have an annual gross income at or below $29,526, or a monthly gross income at or below $2,461.
Applications for the Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program will be available starting on June 1 at Cottonwood Extension Office Ellis County, 601 Main St. Seniors may apply on-site from June 1- Sept. 30, 2026 or until coupons are given out. Office hours are 8 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Applications for the KSFMNP will be available starting June 2 at the Cottonwood Extension Office Barton County, 3007 10th St. Applications and card distribution will take place on the following dates (or until coupons are given out):
- Tuesday, June 2
- Thursday, June 4
- Tuesday, June 9
- Thursday, June 11
Available times each day:
- 10 a.m. – noon
- 1 – 3 p.m.
Funds are limited and benefits will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information about the Kansas Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, call Monique Koerner or Jay Harris at 785-628-9430.
Eating more fruits and vegetables can lower the risk of health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers, as well as manage existing health conditions.
The Senior Farmers’ Market Program is a project of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). The program is coordinated by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), which is collaborating with local partners to identify and distribute coupons to eligible seniors.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.
