SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois is increasing aid to low-income older adults who shop at farmers markets this summer, providing larger paper vouchers to help pay for fresh fruits, vegetables, cut herbs and harvested honey.
What the program offers this season
For the 2026 season, participants in the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) will receive up to $40 each, delivered as one booklet containing four $10 checks. That is a $15 increase from the 2025 season, when limited federal funding reduced per-person assistance.
Who is eligible and when benefits begin
The program, run by the Illinois Department on Aging and the Illinois Department of Human Services, serves older adults who meet age and income rules. Booklets will be distributed beginning July 10 to more than 24,000 qualifying Illinois residents.
“Food assistance programs like SFMNP are vital at a time when SNAP benefits have been cut, and food costs are rising,” said Dulce M. Quintero, IDHS Secretary.
State officials emphasized that the checks can only be used at participating farmers markets and roadside stands for eligible food items.
- Benefit amount in 2026: $40 per eligible person (four $10 checks)
- Program start date for 2026 booklets: July 10
- Estimated number of Illinois recipients: more than 24,000
Income requirements and local impact
Applicants must be age 60 or older and meet the program's income limit, which is set relative to the federal poverty guidelines. For a single-person household, the eligibility threshold for 2026 is $2,461 per month (185% of the federal poverty level). State officials say they used additional state funding to restore higher benefit levels after the federal shortfall reduced assistance in 2025.
| Season | Per-person benefit | Format |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $25 | Checks (limited by funding) |
| 2026 | $40 | One booklet of four $10 checks |
Officials argue the increased benefit helps seniors stretch tight grocery budgets and improves access to nutrient-rich produce, which can support physical and mental health. Mary Killough, director of the Illinois Department on Aging, noted the program’s role in helping older residents stay independent and healthy.
Practical notes for seniors or caregivers: check with local senior centers, area agencies on aging or county offices to learn how and where to apply, and confirm which farmers markets and roadside stands accept SFMNP checks in your community. Distribution procedures and participating market lists vary by county.
The expansion of SFMNP in Illinois is part of broader state efforts to respond to rising food costs and recent SNAP changes that have strained household food budgets for older residents.
