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Farmers

Farmers

Senior Project Fresh farmers sell at local roadside stands, farmer’s markets or pop-up markets. Farmers provide eligible participants with locally grown, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and honey through this program. The program also expands the awareness of local food sources and benefits the local food economy in Michigan. 

  • Farmers must adhere to the following requirements to be considered for and maintain program participation:

    • Sell local produce including vegetables, fruit, mushrooms, cut herbs and/or honey.
    • Grow or collect some of the local items sold.
    • Complete an online application.
    • Attend a live training with MDHHS staff during their first season in the program and when there are big programmatic changes.
    • Accept SPF benefits only for eligible items.
    • Clearly post price of eligible items.
    • Accept SPF benefits up until October 31 of each program year.
    • Post the “SPF Benefits Welcome Here Sign” whenever local items are available for purchase.
    • Agree to be monitored for program compliance.
    • Be accountable to the actions of any cashiers conducting sales through the Healthy Together system.
    • Comply with all state or federal laws regarding nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

    Farmers must not do the following:

    • Collect sales tax on SPF benefit purchases.
    • Offer cash back in exchange for benefits
  • Once a farmer completes an application and attends the required training, they are able to accept SPF benefits. Program rules must be followed for the entirety of the program.

  • Farmers can complete the online SPF application through a web browser or by downloading the Healthy Together app to their smart device. Use this link to access the Michigan Senior Project Fresh application.

    Participant Instructions

    • Check that you meet program eligibility requirements listed below.
    • Make sure you have access to email or a phone that can receive text messages.

    Eligibility Criteria

    •  Grow and sell local produce (vegetables, fruit, cut herbs, mushrooms and honey).
    • Sell at a roadside stand or farmer’s market

    Application Process

    • Review participant instructions.
    • Before you can complete the online application, you will need to set up a Healthy Together account by following the steps below:
      • Register using your mobile phone number or email address.
      • Enter the one-time 6-digit code received via text or email.
      • Choose Michigan from the dropdown menu and enter your first and last name.
      • On the next screen, under “Available Programs” select Senior Project Fresh (SPF) Authorized Farmer.
    •  Access the application on a computer or download the Healthy Together app to your smart device.
    • After applying, sign up for a required Senior Project Fresh Farmer Training.