Seniors Farmers' Market Program Adds Tree Nuts: More Options for Healthy Eating

The Farmers’ Market Expansion Act of 2025 is making a small but meaningful change to how low-income seniors can spend their nutrition benefits. Specifically, Section 2 updates the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), which helps elderly individuals buy fresh, locally grown produce.

The New Shopping List: Tree Nuts Are In

What’s the change? The bill expands the list of foods eligible for purchase under the SFMNP. Previously, the program allowed seniors to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Now, the law (7 U.S.C. 3007(b)(1)) is being amended to explicitly add “tree nuts” to that list. This means that when a senior heads to a participating farmers' market, they can now use their benefits not just for tomatoes and basil, but also for walnuts, almonds, pecans, and other tree nuts.

Why This Matters for Everyday Life

For the roughly 800,000 seniors who use the SFMNP, this is a clear win for variety and nutrition. Tree nuts are packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein, making them a dense source of nutrients that can be harder to get from other sources, especially on a fixed income. Think about a senior who needs quick, healthy snacks or wants to add protein to a meal without relying solely on meat; nuts are a great option. This simple addition gives them more flexibility in building a balanced diet.

From the farmers' market perspective, this also benefits local agriculture. Vendors who sell locally grown nuts—like pecans or walnuts, depending on the region—now have a new stream of revenue from the nutrition program. While this change is straightforward, it requires the USDA and local program administrators to update their materials and train market vendors to accept benefits for this new category of food. Since the bill is just adding to an existing, well-established program, the rollout should be relatively smooth, delivering more healthy choices directly to seniors who need them.