RI DEM To Distribute Food Benefit Cards

The state will distribute seven-thousand benefit cards to eligible Rhode Island seniors to buy locally grown fruits and vegetables.

The preloaded cards are worth 50-dollars each and are available through the Department of Environmental Management's Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program.

The cards are valid through November 30th, and will be available at over 50 senior centers and other locations statewide

According to a statement from the department, "SFMNP benefit cards will be distributed to sites statewide from June 1 to Sept. 30, or until funds run out. Participants can use the $50 benefit card at eligible farmers markets and farm stands. Throughout the season there will be additional RI SFMNP pop-up farmers markets hosted at various senior centers and housing sites across the state to increase participant’s access to program benefits. The RI SFMNP pop-up farmers markets allow eligible participants to both sign up for a SFMNP card and shop with participating local food producers. No smartphone is needed – each participant receives a physical card with a scannable QR code for purchase."

 (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)