Farm Stand Information

Find a Farm Stand/Farmer's Market

Produce Selection, Season and Storage

Eat Local

Seasonality Chart

Vegetable Buying Guide - How to choose and use veggies

Storage, Use and Tips

Online advice & shopper info system

USDA Food Guide Pyramids

Food Guide Pyramid

Ethnic/Cultural Food Guide Pyramid

Nutrition Information

Helpguide.org - Nutrition for seniors

Mayo Clinic Heart Healthy Diet

USDA Life Cycle Nutrition

USDA Senior Consumer Corner

Recipes: Cooking and Shopping for Two

Allrecipes.com

Eating Well: Healthy Aging Center

Eating Well: Cooking & shopping for two

Food Network

Recipe Goldmine

Taste of Home

What is SFDNP?

The SFDNP, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), provides low-income, eligible seniors with checks that can be used to purchase fresh Oregon grown fruit, vegetables and herbs. The checks can only be used at approved farm stands and Farmer's markets. The program is intended to improve nutrition for Oregon seniors and support local Oregon farmers.

How does it work?

Each spring, seniors are notified by mail if they are eligible to participate in the program. The USDA grant does not provide enough funding to provide benefits to every senior that is eligible. Seniors who choose to participate in the program will have their applications processed in the order received by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). Applications received after funding for the program has expired, will be put on a waiting list in the order received. If additional funds are received for the program, seniors on the waiting list will be notified.

Seniors who are eligible to participate in the program will receive $32 in farm direct checks. These checks can be used to purchase locally grown produce at participating farm stands and Farmers Markets. The checks may be used between June 1 and October 31 in the year the check is received.

Am I eligible?

To be eligible for the program, seniors must meet ALL of the following criteria:

• Be at least 60 years old by April 1 of the current year;
• Be receiving either SNAP benefits or Medicaid on April 1 of the current year;
• Have income below 135% of the Federal Poverty Level in the current year;
• Be living in a situation where food is not provided for them, such as their own home or apartment.

For more information, please contact SafeNet at 1-800-723-3638.

DHS Healthy Aging and Nutrition resources

Contact information