Increase Access to Fresh Produce for Qualifying Older Adults
The Tarrant Area Food Bank service area is in a productive region of the country with a climate that allows outdoor farmers markets to operate year-round. This allows access to a consistent source of locally grown produce for the community.
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, operated by Tarrant Area Food Bank (TAFB) on behalf of the Texas Department of Agriculture, provides low income adults, age 60+, with vouchers to purchase fresh produce at authorized farmers markets.
TAFB issues these vouchers at the Cowtown Farmers Market located at Veterans Park in White Settlement on Saturdays from 8am – 12pm. From June 19th to August 14th, the Cowtown Farmers Market at Veterans Park will be open on Wednesdays from 8am – 12pm. From June 13th to August 15th, The Cowtown Farmers Market will have an indoor market at the Tarrant Area Food Bank AgHub on Thursdays from 4:30pm – 6:30pm, except for July 4th.
Vouchers will also be issued at Wednesday and Thursday markets. The Wednesday and Thursday markets are smaller, less crowded, and with closer parking. Saturday, September 28th is the last day to pick up vouchers.
When the older members of our community have access to fresh, locally grown produce, they are able to eat healthier meals and support local farmers with their purchasing power. In addition to accepting vouchers, farmers at the market also accept SNAP/EBT, cash, and card.
Local farmers across north central Texas vend at the Cowtown Farmers Market. They grow a wide variety of leafy greens, root vegetables, fresh herbs, mushrooms, and honey. Summer vegetables and fruit start to become available in mid-June.
These farmers are happy to vend this produce and more to help provide access to nutritious food for the community.
Participation in the program is simple. Visit the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program page of the TAFB website to learn about incomes that qualify. Applications are available to fill out ahead of time, or are available at Cowtown Farmers Market. Qualified participants may also send someone to pick up and use vouchers for them; proxy permission notes are also available. Families receiving WIC benefits qualify for a similar program called the Farmers Market Nutrition Program.
If you or someone you care about need food in addition to the SFMNP voucher program, please visit our Find Food section of our website to find a local food pantry.
To volunteer for our Senior Farmers Market Program and WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program please visit https://tafb.galaxydigital.com/agency/detail/?agency_id=113082
