Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is a federally funded program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Services Agency and in Ohio, by the Ohio Department of Aging. ODA provides additional state funds to support SFMNP operation within Ohio. The AAA enters into a Grant Agreement with ODA to administer SFMNP within their planning and service region.
The SFMNP provides low-income older adults with a $50 benefit with which to purchase eligible, locally grown produce at participating farmers’ markets and roadside stands.
In 2025, the program will run from May 15th through November 30th.
Eligibility requirements:
-
Age 60 by date of application
-
Reside in Belmont, Carroll, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Muskingum, or Tuscarawas County
-
Household income falls within 185% of the federal poverty level
|
Household Size |
Income Limits |
|
1 person |
$0-$28,953 |
|
2 people |
$0-$39,128 |
|
3 people |
$0- $49,303 |
|
4 people |
$0- $59,478 |
|
5 people |
$0-$69,653 |
|
6 people |
$0 -$79,828 |
LAST DAY TO APPLY SEPTEMBER 30th!
Applying
The Ohio Department of Aging has streamlined the online application process for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program for the 2025 season. Follow this link to learn more. https://aging.ohio.gov/care-and-living/health-and-safety/Health-and-safety-resources/senior-farmer-market
Participants who are unable to shop independently may assign a proxy to assist them.
Eligible applicants will be prompted to choose one of three options for redeeming your benefits:
1. Mobile benefits
2. Reuse your 2024 physical benefit card
3. Request a new physical benefit card
If you request a new physical benefit card, please keep it for future years. Once your annual application is approved, your card can be reloaded much quicker than mailing a new one.
How to Use Benefits
Those choosing the mobile option will receive an email with which to access their benefits immediately after confirming their online application. The email will include instructions for presenting the attached QR code at authorized stands. It is the applicant’s responsibility to check the email account listed on the application.
Physical benefits cards saved from 2024 will be automatically loaded once applicants enter their card ID# and click “confirm” at the end of the online application. Benefits may not be redeemed until May 15, 2025.
Applicants requesting a new physical benefit card will experience a 6 week wait to receive it by mail.
Dollars and Cents
Each SFMNP Benefit Recipient will receive benefits valued at fifty dollars ($50.00) total. Any purchase for more than the amount of SFMNP benefits tendered must be paid by the SFMNP Benefit Recipient via another accepted form of payment. There is no sales tax on SFMNP purchases.
Authorized farm stands can deduct the exact amount of your purchase when scanning your QR code, giving you more buying power in 2025! Exceptions may occur at farmers markets using a token system.
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is an equal opportunity program. No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability, be excluded from participation, be denied benefits, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination. Participants will receive fresh produce of an equal quality and price as shoppers who are not participating.
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is an equal opportunity program. Participants will receive fresh produce of an equal quality and price as shoppers who are not participating. Participants who are unable to shop independently may assign a proxy to assist them.
Technical Support
After submitting an online application, SFMNP beneficiaries may contact the Homegrown Benefits Support Line for technical assistance using the Homegrown Benefits mobile app, checking benefit balance, resetting passwords, and setting up an account at 614-412-1729.