Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program application window April 22-May 22
By Jenni Lewis
AAA7
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 (AGE). AGE provides additional State funds to support SFMNP operation within Ohio. Locally, it is managed by the Area Agency on Aging District 7 (AAA7).
To be eligible for $50 to use with authorized farmers in the program, individuals must live in the ten counties included in the AAA7’s district which include Adams, Brown Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton. Individuals must be age 60 or over at the time of application and households must earn less than 185% of the poverty level. In a household, both spouses can be eligible separately. Individuals can only receive $50 once per year and items must be purchased from authorized farmers only.
Please note the process for this year:
Online applications will be accessible starting April 22nd at 12 Noon through May 22nd at 6:00 pm. A link will be located on the AAA7’s website at www.aaa7.org on the Home Page under “Current Updates”. The direct link to the AGE website for applications is aging.ohio.gov/SFMNP
Completing an online application is advised; however, if you do not have access to the internet, you can request assistance from the AAA7 – call the AAA7 Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program direct line at 1-800-343-8112 or email FarmersMarket@aaa7.org.
Please Note: an application must be completed each year – there is no automatic renewal from participating in the past.
If you apply online, please note that only one email can be used per account.
Recipients can redeem benefits through a mobile benefit option, QR Code, and/or physical benefit card.
Physical benefit cards will be available to those who request them on their application. Please note that it will take up to six (6) weeks to receive the physical card in the mail.
If you requested a physical card last year, please keep it for this year and future use. You can enter the number into the application for faster distribution of benefits.
To avoid delays, it is advised to complete the application online if possible.
Items can only be purchased from authorized farmers in the program but can be used anywhere in Ohio. Farmers will have a posting at their stand indicating so.
A link to a list of participating farmers will be located on the AAA7’s website Home Page at www.aaa7.org under the “Current Updates” section. The list will be updated throughout the year.
After May 1, Ohio’s Homegrown Benefits Support Line for technical assistance will be available at (614) 412-1729 Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. through 7 p.m. or Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m.
Recipients of benefits can redeem them from May 15 through Nov, 30 with participating farmers.
All applicants should be aware that there will be a reduction in the number of total participants who will receive benefits this year due to federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds having expired September 30, 2025. This in turn has returned the overall budget for this program to its original levels. To better understand potential unmet needs and ensure full use of benefits issued, the application deadline has been set to May 22nd. Applications will no longer be accepted after this date. For questions, please contact the AAA7 Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program direct line at 1-800-343-8112 or email FarmersMarket@aaa7.org
Farmers who are interested in participating in the program will be working directly with the Ohio Department of Aging through its partner, Ohio Farmers Market Network (OFMN). If you are a farmer interested in learning more about participating, please contact the OFMN at https://ohiofarmersmarketnetwork.org
Your local Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. provides services on a non-discriminatory basis in ten counties in Southern Ohio including Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton. These services are available to help older adults and those with disabilities live safely and independently in their residence of choice through services paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, other federal and state resources, as well as private pay. The AAA7’s Resource Center is also available to anyone in the community looking for information or assistance with long-term care options. Available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm, the Resource Center is a valuable contact for learning more about options and what programs and services are available for assistance.
Those interested in learning more can call toll-free at 1-800-582-7277 (TTY: 711). Here, individuals can speak directly with a specially-trained Agency staff member who will assist them with information surrounding the programs and services that are available to best serve their needs. The Agency also offers an assessment at no cost for those who are interested in learning more. Information is also available on www.aaa7.org, or the Agency can be contacted through e-mail at info@aaa7.org. The Agency also has a Facebook page located at www.facebook.com/AreaAgencyOnAgingDistrict7.