Thursday, October 1, 2026
Nearly half of all Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) cards issued to older adults in Lewis, Mason and Thurston counties haven't been used despite a looming deadline for transactions.
That has prompted the Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging (LMTAAA) to urge cardholders to spend their benefits before the Oct. 31 deadline.
According to the agency, 43 percent of 2026 SFMNP cards remained unused as of Aug. 14.
Each card provides $80 in benefits that eligible older adults can use to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and honey from participating farmers markets and other approved local vendors. The benefits expire at the end of the annual market season and do not roll over to the following year.
LMTAAA said older adults in the three-county areas claimed the cards at the fastest pace ever this year, making the number of unused cards particularly significant as the deadline approaches.
The program helps lower income, older adults access nutritious, locally grown food while supporting local farmers.
Benefits may be used for eligible products at participating farmers markets, roadside stands and community supported agriculture operations. Some produce is also purchased directly from farmers for delivery to older adults.
The need for the program is underscored by a recent LMTAAA community survey. Seventeen percent of respondents said they have difficulty accessing or eating nutritious food, while 86 percent of those respondents identified cost as the primary reason.
SFMNP is an annual program funded through a combination of federal, state and local dollars. Federal funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the Farm Bill.
Washington residents age 60 or older, as well as Native American and Alaska Native residents ages 55 or older with a monthly income below 185 percent of the federal poverty level, are eligible for SFMNP benefits. The 2026 SFMNP market season runs through Oct. 31.
The LMTAAA serves older adults, adults living with disabilities and caregivers in Lewis, Mason and Thurston counties.
4 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
GrandyMarty
How do they know the cards actually reached the seniors? There are so many issues with the mail, I know many people who applied early who never got theirs. It may be interesting to investigate that part.
Thursday, September 17 Report this
Snevets
What a great program!
Thursday, September 17 Report this
DaveinOlyWA
As a Senior within walking distance, this sounds like a great program! I am sure my income is well over the max but still a great way to benefit the community.
Since the money is "spent" there should be a clause cutting off purchases just before the season ends and taking the balance to purchase food for county food banks and other meal service locations. Why leave the money on the table?
People do die so that I am sure is part of it.
Thursday, September 17 Report this
HeikeSypeck
I could imagine that not every senior lives withing walking distance of the Farmers Market or has relatives and other means of transportation to the market. This program sounds great, but it seems to have some difficulties that need to be ironed out. Also, as DaveinOlyWA mentioned, there should be an option to buy food for other welfare programs if the cards are not turned in by a set deadline.
Thursday, September 17 Report this