Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) has been funded at least in part with federal funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the support of the Ohio Department of Aging, the Ohio Farmers Market Network and the Area Agency on Aging, Region 9. Each SFMNP Benefit Recipient will receive benefits valued at fifty dollars ($50.00) total.
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 2026, the program will run from May 15th through November 30th.
Eligibility requirements:
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Age 60 by date of application
-
Reside in Belmont, Carroll, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Muskingum, or Tuscarawas County
-
Participants must have a maximum household income of not more than 185% of the annual federal poverty income guidelines.
|
Household Size |
Income Limits |
|
1 person |
$0-$29,526 |
|
2 people |
$0-$40,034 |
|
3 people |
$0- $50,542 |
|
4 people |
$0- $61,050 |
|
5 people |
$0-$71,558 |
|
6 people |
$0 -$82,066 |
Applications open April 22. The last day to apply is May 22.
Applying
The Ohio Department of Aging has streamlined the online application process for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program for the 2026 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 existing physical benefit card
3. Request a new physical benefit card
New physical cards can be requested at the time of application ONLY. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Please keep your physical benefit card as it can be reusable and reloaded if your application is approved in future years. If you have a card at the time of application, you can enter the number into the application for faster distribution of benefits
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 previous years 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, 2026.
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 2026! 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 May 1st, Ohio’s Homegrown Benefits Support Line for technical assistance will be available. If you have received confirmation online and need assistance to access your benefit, check your balance, reset your password, or other app issues that need troubleshooted, contact Ohio Homegrown Benefits Support Line at (614) 412-1729, Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., or Saturday – Sunday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
For more information, contact your local senior center or call the Area Agency on Aging, Region 9 at 800-945-4250.