Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program Request for Proposals

The Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Office of Community Services, is requesting proposals to provide Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) services in at least one of Hawaii's four counties (Honolulu, Hawaii, Maui, Kauai), with proposals due July 30, 2026.

The program distributes USDA funding to provide $50 in coupons to seniors age 60 and older with household income not exceeding 185% of federal poverty guidelines for purchase of fresh, locally grown produce from participating farmers and farmers' markets. Applicants may propose to serve one or multiple counties. Required services include coupon issuance and redemption, outreach to eligible seniors and farmers, farmer authorization and training, participant certification and intake, nutrition education, and data safeguarding. Providers must demonstrate prior experience administering federally funded programs, maintain adequate accounting systems, provide evidence of financial stability through recent independent audits and balance sheets, and comply with all applicable federal and state procurement regulations, wage laws, tax clearance requirements, and civil rights compliance.

Anticipated funding for each program year is approximately $425,000 from the USDA, with a minimum of 90% reserved for food benefits and a maximum of 10% allowed for administrative costs. County-specific funding allocations (based on U.S. Census Bureau Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates) are estimated at $229,008 (Honolulu), $87,447 (Hawaii), $42,977 (Maui), and $18,568 (Kauai). OCS retains 20% of statewide administrative funding and distributes the remainder to service providers on a per-capita basis. Compensation is provided through cost reimbursement for budgeted, agreed-upon costs actually incurred, up to a stated maximum obligation. The initial contract period runs February 1, 2027, to October 31, 2027, with one optional extension available for Program Year 2028 upon mutual agreement and satisfactory performance. USDA funds are distributed in installments, with the first installment (approximately 80% of the annual award) expected in January 2027. A mandatory virtual orientation meeting was held July 8, 2026. Provider selection and notice of award are anticipated for August 14, 2026.