(Submitted)
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which provides low-income seniors with locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs, has added its latest electronic option, local and state officials announced recently.
As of June 1, the Ohio Department of Aging is transitioning the SFMNP to an “e-solution” called “Homegrown Benefits” as part of an effort to “improve efficiency, serve more seniors, expand service areas, and sustain the program into the future.”
Applicants can download the “Homegrown Benefits – for eFMNP” app from the Apple Store and Google Play Store. Participants can also manage their account through the Homegrown Benefits website.
Participants who qualify for the statewide initiative will receive a $50 coupon to use at participating farmers markets and roadside stands, said Jackie Oliverio, manager of the Senior and Disability Resource Center for the Lake County Council on Aging.
Eligible for the program are individuals who are 60 years of age or older, reside in Lake County, and earn less than $27,861 from all sources for a one-person household or $37,814 for a two-person household, or 185% of the federal poverty level.
Participants must reapply annually to continue financial assistance. Applications are available at Aging.Ohio.gov/SFMNP.
Funding for the app’s development came from the American Rescue Plan Act, which awarded ODA about $4 million to expand delivery of the SFMNP.
Oliverio noted that to participate, individuals must submit an application online through the Ohio Department of Aging.
“Some seniors don’t care about access,” she said, “It’s become more streamlined and has more vendors. The Seniors Council is always there to help.”
To receive SFMNP benefits, a senior citizen or their representative may choose to:
• Mobile Benefits: eFMNP’s Homegrown Benefits is an app that eligible participants use to access their benefits. This option requires a smartphone and email. Once a claim is submitted, claimants will receive an email from ODA within 1-2 weeks with the app and instructions for enrolling.
• Physical Rewards Card: The card lists your SFMNP rewards and must be redeemed when you shop. This option does not require a smartphone or email. Rewards on the card take longer to receive as they are sent by mail.
State Rep. Dan Troy, who introduced a bipartisan bill (HB 428) that would require the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to allocate additional benefits to eligible senior households in the federal SNAP program, said the ODA’s innovations will make assistance more flexible and easier for participating seniors.
“Through the app, participants can redeem their rewards as often as they like,” he said. “Plus, some may find it more convenient to have a digital account.”
For more information or assistance with applying, contact the Lake County Council on Aging at 440-205-8111 or visit www.lccoa.org.
