Rising food insecurity in Lewis, Mason and Thurston counties drives record demand for local agency’s Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

Farmers market season just started, but older adults in Lewis, Mason and Thurston counties have already claimed every available benefit card for Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging’s (LMTAAA) Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. The free program gives eligible older adults up to $80 each year to buy fresh fruits, vegetables and honey at local farmers markets.

This marks the first time all three counties have reached their full allocation, according to a news release from the agency. Last year, only Thurston County distributed all its benefit cards, while Lewis County had 21 remaining and Mason County had seven left unclaimed.
“Older adults face hunger for many reasons,” Valerie Aubertin, LMTAAA community support director, said in the release. “Health problems can make shopping difficult. Many don’t have reliable transportation. Others live on tight budgets while food prices keep climbing. And, some may not have friends or family that could help.”

Hunger hurts people far beyond empty stomachs. Poor nutrition can lead to depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and more.

“This program does more than ease hunger. It helps older adults stay healthy and connected,” Aubertin said.

To qualify, older adults must earn less than 185% of the federal poverty line. That’s an income of $2,412.75 or less a month for a single older adult. To put that in perspective, the average monthly Social Security check is $1,976.

LMTAAA received 2,141 benefit cards for 2025. Applications open each April. Recipients can use funds from June 1 through Oct. 31.

Since 1976, LMTAAA has led with the goal of enriching lives and supporting people to live fully with dignity through the values of service, excellence, empowerment and collaboration.
LMTAAA is funded on the state level through the Washington state Department of Social and Health Services and its Home and Community Living Administration. It is designated to receive federal funding from the Older Americans Act through the Administration for Community Living. The agency also receives federal funding through the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services.