Latest news with #SFMNP
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Senior farmers market voucher distributions cancelled
(WBRE/WYOU) — According to the Area Agency on Aging, the first two Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) voucher distribution events have been cancelled. The announcement comes because the agency has not yet received the vouchers. It was previously revealed that federal funding for the vouchers has been cut. The first two Luzerne/Wyoming County distribution events have been cancelled, including the June 3 event at Misericordia University's MacDowell Hall and the June 5 Kingston Active Adult Center. Woman shot by police while allegedly attacking civilian In Lackawanna County alone, 38,000 farmers market vouchers were requested by the county's agency on aging, the agency in charge of distributing them. Due to the cuts to federal spending, they'll only be getting around 29,000. Under the State Department of Agriculture program, residents over 60 who fall within the program's income requirements are eligible to receive up to five $5 vouchers each to spend at local farmers' markets. For the full list of voucher distribution dates, visit the Luzerne County Area Agency on Aging. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
RI distributing 5,000 farmers market cards to seniors
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — A food assistance program that helps connect local farmers with Rhode Island seniors is returning this summer. The R.I. Department of Environmental Management's (DEM) Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) will give out 5,000 benefit cards to eligible residents. The cards can be used at local farm stands and farmers markets to buy fruits, vegetables and honey. Less than a third of seniors in the United States eat their recommended intake of fruits and vegetables, according to the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. The benefit cards will be preloaded with $50 and distributed at 90 senior sites starting on June 1. The cards will be valid through Nov. 30. The DEM is also partnering with Farm Fresh Rhode Island to deliver produce boxes to homebound seniors. Eligible seniors can apply for the program at their local senior center. You can find a sign-up location near you by clicking here. Any organizations that work with seniors and would like to get involved with the program can email Farmers and businesses interested in accepting SFMNP can sign up here. Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How To Qualify for Government Help: From Food to Housing
Nearly everyone faces a financial setback at some point — whether a job loss or another crisis that topples the budget. While unemployment benefits can help, they often fall short of covering all the necessities, like rent, mortgage payments, groceries and utilities. Consider This: Find Out: If you're living on a fixed income or need temporary financial relief, you may qualify for government benefits and financial assistance, according to USAGov. However, with so many programs, it can be tricky to know where to start. This guide breaks down where to find and apply for programs offering financial assistance, from food to housing and more. Food assistance is available through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. These benefits are available to low-income individuals and families, with income limits depending on the state in which you live and varying by household size. If approved, participants will be issued an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, where money is deposited to accounts every month. To apply for benefits, visit your local SNAP Office. Learn More: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers food assistance to adults age 60 and older who are within 185% of the federal poverty income guidelines. The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides coupons seniors can use at road stands, farmers markets and community farms. The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) prepares food packages distributed through local agencies for pickup. Some states offer delivery services, so check with your local or state agency. Seniors insured by Medicare Advantage Part C may be eligible for a Medicare Flex Card for food, transportation and other services, according to However, always read the fine print before enrolling in any health insurance plan to make sure you can afford the premium and understand the terms. Various housing programs can assist with everything from buying a home to helping with repairs and paying rent. Note that some programs have a longer wait list than others. Here are some programs that offer support. Emergency Housing offers short-term housing for people who are facing homelessness, including youth, teens and veterans. Emergency Rent Assistance is available through local and state rental programs. Non-Emergency Rental Assistance includes other housing programs that help with rent, such as Section 8 Housing, subsidized rental housing and rental programs for seniors, people with disabilities and veterans. Home Buying Assistance includes government-backed loans, mortgage assistance and homeownership vouchers for first-time buyers. For emergency assistance with housing or rent, call 211 to learn about programs in your area and to find out if you are eligible. Other housing assistance programs generally have income limits that may vary by location. The government can also provide help with your energy bills, according to USAGov. Financial support can vary from state to state. One program, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), helps beneficiaries pay for cooling and heating bills, as well as emergency services during an energy crisis. Depending on your state, you may also qualify for financial support for your electric bills. More From GOBankingRates Surprising Items People Are Stocking Up On Before Tariff Pains Hit: Is It Smart? How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Every State? This article originally appeared on How To Qualify for Government Help: From Food to Housing Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How To Qualify for Government Help: From Food to Housing
Nearly everyone faces a financial setback at some point — whether a job loss or another crisis that topples the budget. While unemployment benefits can help, they often fall short of covering all the necessities, like rent, mortgage payments, groceries and utilities. Consider This: Find Out: If you're living on a fixed income or need temporary financial relief, you may qualify for government benefits and financial assistance, according to USAGov. However, with so many programs, it can be tricky to know where to start. This guide breaks down where to find and apply for programs offering financial assistance, from food to housing and more. Food assistance is available through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. These benefits are available to low-income individuals and families, with income limits depending on the state in which you live and varying by household size. If approved, participants will be issued an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, where money is deposited to accounts every month. To apply for benefits, visit your local SNAP Office. Learn More: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers food assistance to adults age 60 and older who are within 185% of the federal poverty income guidelines. The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides coupons seniors can use at road stands, farmers markets and community farms. The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) prepares food packages distributed through local agencies for pickup. Some states offer delivery services, so check with your local or state agency. Seniors insured by Medicare Advantage Part C may be eligible for a Medicare Flex Card for food, transportation and other services, according to However, always read the fine print before enrolling in any health insurance plan to make sure you can afford the premium and understand the terms. Various housing programs can assist with everything from buying a home to helping with repairs and paying rent. Note that some programs have a longer wait list than others. Here are some programs that offer support. Emergency Housing offers short-term housing for people who are facing homelessness, including youth, teens and veterans. Emergency Rent Assistance is available through local and state rental programs. Non-Emergency Rental Assistance includes other housing programs that help with rent, such as Section 8 Housing, subsidized rental housing and rental programs for seniors, people with disabilities and veterans. Home Buying Assistance includes government-backed loans, mortgage assistance and homeownership vouchers for first-time buyers. For emergency assistance with housing or rent, call 211 to learn about programs in your area and to find out if you are eligible. Other housing assistance programs generally have income limits that may vary by location. The government can also provide help with your energy bills, according to USAGov. Financial support can vary from state to state. One program, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), helps beneficiaries pay for cooling and heating bills, as well as emergency services during an energy crisis. Depending on your state, you may also qualify for financial support for your electric bills. More From GOBankingRates Surprising Items People Are Stocking Up On Before Tariff Pains Hit: Is It Smart? How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Every State? This article originally appeared on How To Qualify for Government Help: From Food to Housing Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Fresh produce vouchers available for qualifying South Carolinians 60 years or older
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) — A seasonal food assistance program that provides low-income, older adults with access to fresh fruits and vegetables returns to South Carolina counties next month. The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), a USDA program administered by the South Carolina Department of Social Services, allows qualifying adults aged 60 or older to obtain vouchers to purchase fresh produce from authorized farmers' markets. Eligible participants will receive $50, in the form of five $10 checks, to use during the season at participating locations throughout the state's 46 counties. To qualify, an individual must reside in the state and have a total household income below 185% of the federal poverty level. That would equal an income of less than about $59,500 for a family of four, for example, according to figures from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Applications must be completed in person at designated locations in their county of residence. A photo ID is required to pick up SFMNP checks. All checks must be redeemed before October 15, 2025. You can find more information about the program and how to apply here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
