The free program gives eligible older adults up to $80 each year to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and honey at local farmers markets.
This marks the first time all three counties have reached their full allocation. Last year, only Thurston County distributed all its benefit cards, while Lewis County had 21 remaining and Mason County had seven left unclaimed.
PLEASE NOTE: The 2025 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program season is over. All funds for Lewis, Mason and Thurston counties have been claimed. A waitlist is now closed. Benefits must be used by October 31.
“Older adults face hunger for many reasons,” states LMTAAA Community Supports Director Valerie Aubertin. “Health problems can make shopping difficult. Many don’t have reliable transportation. Others live on tight budgets while food prices keep climbing. And, some may not have friends or family that could help.”
Hunger hurts people far beyond empty stomachs. Poor nutrition can lead to depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and more. “This program does more than ease hunger. It helps older adults stay healthy and connected,” Aubertin explained.
To qualify, older adults must earn less than 185% of the federal poverty line. That’s an income of $2,412.75 or less a month for a single older adult. To put that in perspective, the average monthly Social Security check is $1,976.
LMTAAA received 2,141 benefit cards for 2025. Applications open each April. Recipients can use funds from June 1 through October 31.
Feeding America estimates more than nine million seniors could face hunger by 2050.
