Cap senior FM food

The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), Virginia's state agency on aging, $372,115 on October 1, 2025, under the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (CFDA 10.576) to provide low-income seniors with benefits exchangeable for fresh, nutritious, locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey, and fresh-cut herbs at farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture operations throughout Virginia.

The award funds the delivery of SFMNP benefits—issued as checks, coupons, or electronic benefits—that eligible seniors redeem at authorized farmers' markets, roadside stands, and CSAs for unprepared produce and herbs. DARS, operating as Virginia's State Agency on Aging, administers the program statewide and maintains required records on benefit issuance, redemption, authorized outlet agreements, and monitoring activities in compliance with 2 CFR Part 200 and USDA implementing regulations.

Period of performance runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. The award is a project grant under the SFMNP, which distributes funds to state agencies using a formula basis. Grant payments are made by letter of credit.