Farmers Market Vouchers for Low-Income Older Adults

To provide older Ohioans convenient access to fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey, the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) now has an app and a card for participants in its Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.

Older adults who meet income limits are eligible to receive $50 a year to buy items at farmers’ markets throughout the state.

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.

In other years, 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 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 to include their regions among those participating in the program modernization.

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.

About ODA – The Ohio Department of Aging serves and advocates for the needs of Ohioans age 60 and older, as well as their families, caregivers and communities. Programs include home and community-based long-term supports and services, as well as initiatives to promote health and wellness throughout the lifespan. Visit aging.ohio.gov.

Department of Aging partners with area agencies on aging to offer the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program across the state. Participants receive benefits to be redeemed for Ohio-grown fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, and honey. Some restrictions apply.