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 $50 one time per year, and items must be purchased from authorized farmers only.
Please note changes in the process for this year:
• Online applications are currently accessible from the AAA7’s website at www.aaa7.org under the “Happening Now” section on the Home Page.
• Please Note: an application must be completed each year – there is no automatic renewal from participating in the past.
• 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.
• If you apply online, please note that only one email can be used per account.
• 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.
• To avoid delays, it is advised to complete the application online if possible.
• Items can only be purchased from authorized farmers in the program. Farmers will have a posting at their stand indicating so.
A link to a list of participating farmers can be found on the AAA7’s website Home Page at ww.aaa7.org under the “Happening Now” section. The list will be updated throughout the year.
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 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 and 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.
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