The California Association of Food Banks (CAFB) is now accepting bids from farmers and third parties to provide food boxes to low-income senior citizens as part of the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP).
The CAFB request for proposals is available here. Bids will be accepted until April 30, 2021.
Traditionally, the SFMNP has provided vouchers to eligible senior citizens to redeem for fresh produce at Certified Farmers’ Markets. With the arrival of COVID-19, the program was modified to create a partnership between the CAFB and local producers, allowing for the bulk purchase of fresh and nutritious food from farmers, and providing for its distribution to eligible seniors through food box deliveries.
This program is supported through the joint efforts of the USDA, the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the California Department of Social Services.