Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program applications available

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). ODA provides additional state funds to support SFMNP operation within Ohio.

To be eligible for $50 to use with authorized farmers in the program, individuals must live in the 10 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 percent of the poverty level. In a household, both spouses can be eligible separately. Individuals can only receive the $50 one time per year and items must be purchased from authorized farmers only.

This year’s application process is different from previous years – those eligible for the program now have the option to use a mobile application or a physical card to obtain nutritious produce at farmers markets across the state. Traditionally, participants received their benefits in the form of printed coupons in units of $5. Through the new app-based model, participants can use their benefits in in any increment they choose, creating more flexibility and giving more power to older Ohioans.

Please note changes in the process for this year:

Online applications are currently on the Ohio Department of Aging website – aging.ohio.gov/sfmnp – and also accessible from the AAA7’s website at www.aaa7.org under the “Happening Now” section on the homepage.

Everyone who received coupons last year through the AAA7 will automatically be sent via postal mail a hard copy application. To avoid delays, please complete the application online if possible. If not, complete the hard copy application and mail back to the AAA7.

For anyone who has not participated in the past, completing an online application is advised; however, if you do not have access to the internet, you can request a hard copy application from the AAA7 – call the AAA7 Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program direct line at 1-800-343-8112 or email FarmersMarket@aaa7.org.

If you apply online, please note that only one email can be used per account.

To avoid delays, it is advised to complete the application online if possible.

Please Note: an application must be completed each year – there is no automatic renewal from participating in the past.

Items can only be purchased from authorized farmers in the program. Farmers will have a posting at their stand indicating so.

ODA and the AAA7 will share a list of participating farmers online once farmers have been confirmed.

Farmers who are interested in participating in the program this year 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 senior@ohiofarmersmarketnetwork.org.

Your local Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. provides services on a non-discriminatory basis in 10 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 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., 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 email at info@aaa7.org. The Agency also has a Facebook page located at www.facebook.com/AreaAgencyOnAgingDistrict7.

Publisher's note: A free press is critical to having well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for the last 25 years for our community. If you would like to contribute to this service, it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to: The Highland County Press, P.O. Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please include "for website" on the memo line.