Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is designed to provide low-income older adults access to locally grown produce. Each year Ag & Markets works with state and local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) offices. Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services (OFAS) then distributes the $25 value coupon booklets of this well-loved program to income eligible older adults. The purpose of the program is to promote improved nutrition through increased consumption of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables as well as expand sales at farm stands and farmers markets.

You are eligible for this program if you are over 60 and your income is:

Less than $2,248 for a household size of 1 or

Less than $3,041 for a household size of 2.

SFMNP coupon booklets are available on First-Come First-Served basis at distribution locations. SFMNP coupon booklets are obtained in-person, not by mailings. We will have several public distribution locations including Wednesday July 12th at the Dunkirk Farmers Market and Saturday July 15th at the Jamestown Public Market. Other distribution locations include housing units, OFAS Dining Together sites, Adult Day Centers, and Dining In distributions.

Our Local Roots program is designed to provide improved access to fresh and affordable fruits and vegetables to Chautauqua County Older Adults. We partner with Abers Acres, Jamestown Mobile Market, and SNAP-Ed to bring a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) style produce pack to specific distribution locations for 10 weeks between mid-July and mid-September.

You are eligible for this program if you are over 60. The fee for this program is a Cost-Share program where the fee is $0 to $12 per week based on a sliding income scale. You can make a payment with check, credit card, or SNAP benefits.

Registered participants pick up their weekly produce pack at convenient distribution locations throughout the county. The distribution locations are generally at housing unit parking lots where the Jamestown Mobile Market truck sets up a pop-up farm stand. Clients will be given a credit card sized CHQAging card that is scanned each week to track weekly produce pick up. If you are interested in learning more about Local Roots, call NY Connects at 716-753-4582.

We know the healthy choice is not always the easiest choice, but small changes can make a big difference. Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services Dietitian, Carey Skelton RDN is available for nutrition education through SNAP-ed programs.

The SNAP-ed programs are FREE for those who receive or qualify for SNAP benefits. We want to help you save time, save money, and eat healthy! Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services Senior Nutrition Program also provides nutritious meals through Home Delivered Meals and the Dining Out Program throughout the county. We also sponsor several exercise programs. Please remember to contribute toward your OFAS nutrition services if you can.

These programs are not sustainable without the support of participant and community contributions. Be aware that SNAP benefits can be used toward your contribution. Call NY Connects at 716-453-4582 for more details and information about any of these Nutrition and Wellness programs provided by Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services.