Senior FMNP checks to be distributed at the Farmers Market after 1-month delay

The Adams County Office for Aging is now able to issue Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) checks to qualifying senior citizens after statewide delays, which started in June.

Gettysburg, PA – The Adams County Office for Aging is excited to finally be able to distribute Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) checks to qualifying senior citizens after logistical issues at the state level resulted in delays.

The Senior FMNP program is issued to senior citizens who meet certain income guidelines. The program grants senior citizens paper checks that they can spend on locally-grown fruits and vegetables. Households of 1 elderly person that makes $26,973 or 2 people that make $36,482 combined are eligible to receive Senior FMNP checks. No proof of income is required when signing up, but a photo ID with proof of residency within Adams County is required. Individuals must be aged 60 or older by December 31, 2023, in order to qualify.

While the delay of the program this year has presented challenges, the Senior FMNP program has also had some improvements made for 2023. This year, the value of Senior FMNP checks has increased from $24 last year to $50 in 2023, thanks to increased funding of the program. This means eligible senior citizens will receive more than double the value.          

Senior FMNP checks are available to be picked up at the Adams County Office for Aging at 318 W. Middle Street during office hours, which are Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm.

Additionally, qualifying seniors are also encouraged to attend the Adams County Farmers Market (ACFM) on Saturday, July 15, from 8 am-1 pm at the Gettysburg Rec Park to receive their FMNP checks and begin spending right away if they wish. Staff from the Adams County Office for Aging will be on-site at the farmers market and hope to distribute as many checks as possible to the community. “We are always excited to be at the market and help distribute checks,” said Linda Thompson, Community Services Director for Adams County Office for Aging. “We receive more checks from the state than we are able to give away, so partnering with the farmers market helps us get as many FMNP checks out as possible. We want people to spend them.”

Senior citizens who spend their FMNP checks at ACFM will be able to double their value thanks to the market’s special tokens. Each FMNP check spent at ACFM will be matched dollar-for-dollar with $1 wooden tokens. While there are many farm markets in Adams County that will accept FMNP checks, the Adams County Farmers Market is the only location in the County that will double their value. Shoppers using Senior FMNP checks are encouraged to talk to ACFM staff for more information.

The market’s FMNP doubling program has been made possible by a partnership with Healthy Adams County and will be available for all FMNP checks spent at the market throughout the year.

“This is a great program for the community,” said Reza Djalal, Market Manager for ACFM. “It is a vital source of income for local farmers and a vital source of healthy foods for senior citizens. We encourage all eligible seniors to sign up for this program, it’s basically free money.”