Seniors need to apply now for 2026 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Card

With reduced funding this year for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, Franklin County Extension Service Director Katernia Cole-Coffey is encouraging seniors to apply now for their 2026 $50 benefit card.

The portal to apply for 2026 benefits is now open.

The program provides $50 benefit cards for seniors who meet certain income and age criteria. The card may be redeemed at Farmers Markets, including the Franklin County Farmers Market located behind the A.W. Todd Centre in Russellville.

Funding for the program in Alabama was cut to $36,000 this year, so once those funds have been awarded, no more applications will be accepted.

Seniors age 60 and older meeting the following income levels are encouraged to apply online at ago.alabama.gov/farmersmarket/. 

To be eligible, recipients’ gross household income must not exceed $2,414/month for households of one, $3,262/month for households of two, $4,109/month for households of three, $4,958/month for households of four, $5,805 for households of five, $6,653/month for households of six, $7,502/month for households of seven and $8,349/month for households of eight persons.

The federally funded program is administered through the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries.