Access to fresh, local produce is improving for low-income seniors in Jefferson and Clallam counties, thanks to an expansion of the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.
Led by …
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Access to fresh, local produce is improving for low-income seniors in Jefferson and Clallam counties, thanks to an expansion of the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.
Led by Jefferson County Farmers Markets, the USDA-funded program helps seniors buy fruits and vegetables from farmers markets from June through September.
This year, in partnership with the Olympic Community of Health, local food banks, farmers markets and meal sites, the program will serve seniors across both counties.
“People who are participating in the program can either apply for a benefit card that would give them dollars that they can spend at the farmers markets, or they can apply for a fresh produce subscription where they would go to the food bank nearest to where they live and pick up fresh produce twice a month,” said JCFM Executive Director Amanda Milholland.
The second option especially benefits those living far from farmers markets, Milholland said.
“Last year we found the highest participation in the produce share was among seniors living in Brinnon and Quilcene who don’t have access to our farmers markets,” she said. “It was so exciting to see seniors who had never been able to participate in the program before have that opportunity.”
In 2024, JCFM brought the program to its farmers markets, becoming the first in the state to do so. Before their involvement, seniors would apply for the program through OlyCAP, wait for their benefits to arrive by mail, and then take them to a farmers market to shop.
JCFM streamlined the process, allowing in-person enrollment and same-day shopping.
It was a successful shift from the previous model, with JCFM seeing 120% more seniors participate in the program compared to prior years. In 2024, the program benefited 500 individuals and households experiencing food insecurity.
“It was great to see more people using the program last year because it has tangible benefits — fresh food for seniors and needed income for local farms,” Milholland said. “We want to see more seniors using this program. When you sign up and utilize the benefits, it shows the USDA that there is a community need and demand for it here. Please tell your friends and get your application in.”
Applications for the program can be found on the JCFM website. Eligible applicants must be 60 years of age or older, a Washington state resident and have an income below 18% of the federal poverty level.