The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management will distribute nearly 7,000 benefit cards to eligible seniors this summer to buy fresh, locally grown fruit and vegetables and local honey, the agency announced.
Through DEM’s Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, cards preloaded with $50 will be available beginning June 1 at more than 50 senior centers and other locations statewide. The cards are valid through Nov. 30.
Eligible seniors can apply through their local senior center or another applicable nutrition program. Sign-up locations are listed on the program’s webpage at dem.ri.gov/sfmnp.
DEM said the program helps seniors access locally grown food, supports Rhode Island farmers and keeps food assistance dollars in the state. The agency works with the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging to identify communities in need and distribute benefits equitably.
This season, there will be no deliveries of produce boxes to homebound seniors because American Rescue Plan Act funding has ended. To maintain access for homebound participants, DEM said eligible individuals can complete an application on the program webpage and name a proxy. The proxy can take the completed application to a distribution location to obtain a card and shop for produce on the participant’s behalf.
Cards will be distributed to sites statewide from June 1 through Sept. 30, or until funds run out. Participants can use the $50 cards at eligible farmers markets and farm stands. DEM said additional pop-up farmers markets will be hosted at senior centers and housing sites throughout the season, allowing participants to both sign up for a card and shop with local food producers. No smartphone is required; each participant receives a physical card with a scannable QR code.
Organizations that work with seniors and want to participate can contact DEM’s Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment at dem.sfmnp@dem.ri.gov. The agency will offer training for senior site staff and participating producers. Farmers and businesses interested in becoming approved SFMNP sellers or producers can also sign up through the agency.
Fewer than one-third of U.S. seniors eat the recommended portion of fruits and vegetables, which are vital to preventing and treating health problems, according to DEM. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service has run the program since 2001, with federal funding provided through the Farm Bill.
More information is available at dem.ri.gov.
