To provide more older Ohioans convenient access to fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey, the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) is modernizing the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) for 2024 and beyond. Many eligible Ohioans ages 60 and older will now have the choice to use a mobile application or a physical card to obtain nutritious produce at farmers markets across the state.
ODA is partnering with Homegrown Benefits to build and maintain the new SFMNP app. Ohioans can download the “Homegrown Benefits – for eFMNP” app on the Apple Store as well as the Google Play store. The Homegrown Benefits website will also allow Ohioans to manage their SFMNP accounts.
All qualifying Ohioans receive $50 each year to be used at farmers markets throughout 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.
To be eligible for the program, Ohioans must be 60 or older and earn less than 185% of the federal poverty level. Ohioans can now apply for the program online at Aging.Ohio.gov/SFMNP. Ohioans must re-apply every year to continue receiving benefits.
The SFMNP is administered locally by Ohio’s Area Agencies on Aging, nearly all of which opted in to including their regions among those participating in the program modernization.
Ohioans living in Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Morgan, Monroe, Noble, Perry, and Washington counties will still be able to participate, but they must sign up through Buckeye Hills Regional Council rather than utilizing ODA’s online form. For this program year, Ohioans in those counties will receive the traditional SFMNP coupons instead of having access to the app.
Funding for the program modernization came from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). ODA was given nearly $4 million to expand the SFMNP’s offerings. Also as part of this year’s program upgrades, the SFMNP – previously only available to 81 of Ohio’s 88 counties – will now expand to include the entire state.
Aligning with ODA’s vision to make Ohio the best place to age in the nation, the SFMNP increases access to and consumption of fruits and vegetables for older Ohioans while also providing opportunities for community and civic engagement. The program has been shown to enhance older Ohioans’ socialization while also educating them about where food comes from and how to make healthier choices.
The program expansion will support Ohio’s food and agriculture industry. The initiative benefits Ohio’s farmers and farmers markets through greater agricultural revenue being brought to Ohio. The SFMNP also improves the local economy and strengthens Ohio’s food system.