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How the Program Works

Senior Project Fresh program participants are given five, $5 coupons to use at farmers’ markets and roadside stands that display a sign that reads, "Senior Project Fresh Coupons Welcome Here".  The participant may use the coupon to purchase any Michigan-grown, non-processed product, including honey, from the farm market or roadside stand. The coupon works like cash as payment for the products.

Coupons cannot be used for items that are not typically grown in Michigan, such as bananas, oranges, and pineapples. They also may not be used to purchase cheese, meat, or eggs, even though some of these are good sources of nutrition, nor may they be used to purchase flowers or potted plants.

Participants will receive nutrition education when they get their coupons.  Nutrition education may be provided in a classroom setting, one-on-one, or, occasionally, at a farm market.

Participants are encouraged to use all their coupons during the Senior Project Fresh season, which operates from May 1 through October 31 each year.  If a participant has difficulty getting to a farm market or roadside stand, they may assign a proxy to purchase eligible coupon items for them.

To qualify, a senior adult must be:

  • A Michigan resident who is aged 60 years or older
  • A Michigan resident who is aged 55 years or older AND belongs to a Michigan federally recognized tribe or urban tribal group
  • Have a total household income of 185% or less of the federal poverty guidelines
  • A resident of the county in which the coupons are issued

In accordance with federal civil rights law and US Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits.  Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.  Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

  1. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
    1400 Independence Avenue, SW
    Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
  2. Fax: (202) 690-7442 or
  3. Email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Related Content

Lead Agency Coupon Distribution Sites – County Contacts

Eligible Coupon Items