Nutrition Programs

Learn more about the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition program (SFMNP) or the Eating Together program below.

SENIOR FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM

The purpose of the SFMNP is to:

  1. Provide fresh, nutritious, locally grown fruits and vegetables from farmers’ markets to low-income seniors.
  2. Increase the domestic consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding or aiding in the expansion of domestic farmers’ markets.
  3. Develop or aid in the development of new farmers’ markets.

View farmers' market directory(link is external).

The Baltimore County Department of Aging is excited to announce the annual Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program electronic card distribution. Qualified applying participants will receive an electronic card worth $50 to use at farmers' markets across the state from July 1 through November 30, 2025. This is a one-time benefit provided on a first-come first-served basis. 

Beginning May 19, Baltimore County residents aged 60 and older who meet income guidelines can register by:

To be eligible for the farmers' market electronic card, you must be a Baltimore County resident with an annual income below $28,953 for an individual and $39,128 for a two-person household (eligibility is subject to change). Applicants must provide their name, address, cell phone number or email address, date of birth, ethnicity and race when calling 410-887-0311 or when completing the online form. 

Qualifying participants will be notified by text message or email and will receive their Farmers' Market electronic card through the mail. 

EATING TOGETHER PROGRAM

The Eating Together congregate meal program provides nutritious meals and companionship to Baltimore County seniors aged 60 and over and their spouses of any age. 

View the locations and days where the program is offered. For more information, call the Nutrition Office at 410-887-3052. In addition to the Eating Together meal program, senior centers offer special meals as part of social events. These meals are usually catered and have a fee.

ABOUT THE MEALS

Each meal contains:

  • Three ounces of protein
  • Two servings of starch or grains
  • Three servings of vegetables and fruits
  • One serving of low fat milk (except at Kosher locations)

The menus, planned as the main meal of the day, are made up of a variety of foods to provide at least one-third of the recommended daily nutritional needs. Seasonal favorites are included and special menus are offered for holidays. Kosher and Islamic Halal meals are available at selected sites.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Menus are designed to meet the nutritional recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and are reviewed by a registered dietitian to ensure nutritional requirements are met. Fat and sodium are limited, and no salt is added to the food. Detailed nutrition information is available to assist those on special diets and meals are acceptable for most persons with diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.

Free nutrition education is provided throughout the year at various sites where Eating Together meals are served. Nutrition education provides a basis for making informed choices and setting realistic nutritional goals.

COSTS

Participants are asked to make a voluntary, anonymous contribution. The minimum requested contribution is $4 for the regular meal program and $5 for the Kosher and Halal meal programs. All contributions are used to enable the program to serve as many meals as possible. 

Meal costs are outlined below. Participants under 60 years of age are required to pay the full cost of the meal.

Type of MealMeal Cost Kosher Meal Cost
Regular$6.20$8.45
Box$6.94$12.68
Super Special$8.19$12.68

AVAILABILITY BY LOCATION AND DAY

Reservations are required between two (regular and box meals) and five (super special) days in advance. Reservations are made at the meal site.

Listed below is the schedule of meals. View a map of the Eating Together nutrition sites, which include senior centers, community buildings and senior residences.