(Pictured: Produce like this is available through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program).

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is providing fresh fruit and vegetables to lower-income seniors in Pierce County.

Online applications for the income-based benefit opened May 1. Beginning in June, qualified applicants will be mailed electronic benefit cards for $80 to spend at farmers markets and farm stores, according to Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources. Additional information is available at piercecountywa.gov/653/senior-farmers-market-program and 253-798-4600.

Applicants must live in Pierce County and be at least 60 years old (or 55-plus for Native Americans) and have income that’s below 185 percent of the federal poverty level. The income requirements include:

• $27,861 per year or $2,322 per month for one person.
• $37,814 annual or $3,151 monthly for two people.
• $47,767 annual or $3,981 monthly for three people.
• $57,720 annual or $4,810 monthly for four people.
• For larger households, add $829 a month for each additional person.