Skip to main content
Older Adults

Older Adults

What is Senior Project Fresh?

The Senior Project Fresh is a supplemental nutrition program aimed at helping older adults eat healthier as they age.

The program provides nutrition education and a benefit of $25 that can be used to purchase fresh and local fruits, vegetables, and honey sold at authorized farmers’ markets and roadside stands. A one-time benefit is issued (to each eligible household participant) at the beginning of the season onto a benefit card and can be spent throughout the season. The program runs from May 1 to October 31 each year.

  • HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS FOR OLDER ADULTS

    • Eligible older adults must apply each year to receive benefits
    • The application process is electronic and only available through the Healthy Together website. Paper applications will no longer be accepted.
    • Application assistance is available through local Lead Agencies. Look for an agency by county here: Lead Agency Contact List
    • A proxy may assist the older adult with the online application process and help the older adult shop for eligible items.
    • A proxy is allowed to redeem Senior Project Fresh (SPF) benefits issued through the SPF program.
    • A proxy should be at least 18 years of age and dependable for the duration of the program season.
    • The participant may have no more than two (2) proxies and must name the proxy(ies) on the application.
    • A proxy cannot represent more than six (6) participants.
    • Proxies have the same obligations to follow program guidelines when purchasing SPF's program-permissible fruits and vegetables from an authorized farmer.
    • Once the application is received and approved, a reusable benefit card is sent to the participants’ home address listed on the application.
    • For returning participants who still have their benefit card from the previous year, benefits will automatically be loaded onto the card.
    • Additionally, older adults can start using their benefits right away in two ways
    • Download the Healthy Together phone application
    • Print benefit card
    • Benefits may only be spent with authorized farmers at Michigan farmer’s markets and roadside stands. A list of authorized farmers can be found here: Senior Project Fresh Farmer's Market List
    • When visiting a farmer’s market or roadside stand, look for the “SPF Benefits Welcome Here” sign
    • Benefits may only be used to purchase eligible items including locally grown fruit, vegetables, mushrooms, and honey.
    • Benefits cannot be used to purchase ready-to-eat items, dairy, eggs or maple syrup.

  • ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR OLDER ADULTS

    • Reside in Michigan
    • Age 60 and older, at the time of application
    • Age 55 and older, and belong to a Michigan federally recognized tribe or urban tribal group
    • Annual income is at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level
    • $29,526 or less for an individual
    • $40,034 for a household of two
    2026 Poverty Guidelines from HHS Senior Project Fresh
    Family Size 185 Percent Poverty
    1 $29,526
    2 $40,034
    3 $50,542
    4 $61,050
    5 $71,558
    6 $82,066
    7 $92,574
    8 $103,082
    Each Additional Family Member $10,508
    Source: https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines

     

    • Every eligible household member may apply.
    • Income eligibility is determined by yearly gross household income. 
    • Household is defined as “a group of related or nonrelated individuals who are living together as one economic unit”.  
    • An economic unit is a group of people who share an address and pool their income and expenses to meet their needs. (look up exclusions)
    • Benefits are determined based on the county of residence.
    • Check that you meet program eligibility requirements
    • Make sure you have access to email or a smartphone that can receive text messages.
    • Click on “Ready to Apply” and complete each step.
     

  • HOW TO BECOME A SENIOR PROJECT FRESH PARTICIPANT

    Ready to Apply? 
    To participate, you must meet eligibility criteria and complete an online application. Paper applications are no longer valid and will not be accepted. 

    Step 1: 
    Visit: www.healthytogether.co/onboarding/michigan-sfmnp to set up a Healthy Together account. Once this account is created, you can access the Senior Project Fresh application.

    *If you participated last year, login with the phone number or email used last year. 

    Step 2: 
    If you’re on a computer, click “Start Application” to complete the application on the web browser. 

    If you’re on a mobile device, download the Healthy Together app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. 

    Step 3: 
    Register using your mobile phone number or email address. Please be sure you have access to the email or phone number because you will need to access your texts or email for the registration process.

    Step 4: 
    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.

    *If you were able to connect to your account from last year, when you enter the 6-digit code, you will go directly to the “Benefits” page. 

    Step 5:
    Once you are logged in, make sure you are on the page that says, “Benefits”.

    On the “Benefits” page, under “Available Programs” click on “2026 – Older Adult: Senior Project Fresh (SPF)” to start the Older Adult application.

    Step 6:
    Once you click “Apply” or “Connect to My Account”, you will again need to enter your email or phone number.

    Step 7:
    Once your email or phone number is submitted, you will be asked, “Do you have access to this email/number?” and you will be asked to enter your full date of birth (Month, Day, Year). You will then proceed to the full application which starts with “Before you continue with the application…”

    *If the information submitted matches information submitted last year, you will see a screen that says, “You have connected to your existing Michigan Senior Project Fresh account”. Click, “View Account”, then click “2026 – Older Adult: Senior Project Fresh (SPF)” and then click “Start Recertification”. 

     

    Need help?
    Contact your local Lead Agency or email the SPF team: MDHHS-SeniorProjectFresh@michigan.gov.

  • RESOURCES FOR OLDER ADULTS

Contact the Senior Project Fresh team at MDHHS-SeniorProjectFresh@michigan.org.