$80 in free groceries from local farmers markets? Here’s who’s eligible to apply
Low-income seniors in Pierce County can apply for a $80 voucher to spend at local farmers markets as part of a program to support local farming and increase access to healthy food.
Free vouchers through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program are awarded on a first come, first served basis beginning May 5, Pierce County said in a news release. Electronic benefit cards will be mailed in June.
Participating farmers markets in Pierce County as of last June were the Broadway Farmers Market in downtown Tacoma, the Proctor Farmers Market in Tacoma, the Gig Harbor Waterfront Farmers Market, the Lakewood Farmers Market and the Puyallup Farmers Market.
To be eligible for the program you must be at least 60 years old and make an income below 185% of the federal poverty level. That means you make a monthly income of no more than $2,413 for one person or $3,261 for two people. American Indian or Alaska Native people can apply if they are at least 55 years old.
Applications can be filled out in multiple languages online or mailed to Pierce County Human Services at 4301 S. Pine St, Suite 446, Tacoma, WA 98406. Applicants also can apply over the phone by calling the Aging and Disability Resource Center at 253-798-4600 or 1-800-562-0332. Seniors can also scan or email their application to seniorfarmersmarket@piercecountywa.gov.
With the voucher, seniors can purchase produce, herbs and honey at participating farmers markets and farm stores, according to the county. Seniors will take their card to participating vendors at the farmers market. The vendor will scan their card’s QR code on their mobile device. Then you will enter your PIN code into their phone and approve the purchase. You can use your card as many times as needed to spend the full $80.
Fewer than one-third of seniors in the United States eat the recommended number of fruits and vegetables, which are vital to preventing and treating health issues, said Pierce County in a news release on May 5.
“We’re proud to offer this benefit to support both senior nutrition and local agriculture,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, Aging and Disability Resources manager. “This is one of our most popular programs, so we encourage only those committed to using the benefit by Oct. 31 to apply.”
For questions, contact the team at seniorfarmersmarket@piercecountywa.gov.
This story was originally published May 5, 2025 at 2:11 PM.
