news release
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is a federally funded program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service and, in Ohio, by the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA), which provides additional state funding to support SFMNP operations in Ohio.
To be eligible for the program’s $50 to certified farmers, individuals must live in the 10 counties that are part of the AAA7 district (Adams, Brown Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto, and Vinton). Individuals must be 60 years of age or older at the time of application and their household income must be less than 185% of the poverty level. In households, both spouses may qualify separately. Individuals can only receive the $50 once per year, and items must be purchased only from certified farmers.
This year’s application process is different than usual. Program recipients can now use a mobile application or physical card to access nutritious produce at farmers markets across the state. Traditionally, participants received benefits in the form of printed coupons in $5 increments. The new app-based model allows participants to redeem benefits in any increment, providing greater flexibility and further empowering Ohio’s seniors.
Please note the changes to our process this year:
The online application is now on the Ohio Department of Aging website at aging.ohio.gov/sfmnp and can also be accessed through the “Current Activities” section on the home page of the AAA7 website at www.aaa7.org.
If you received a voucher through AAA7 last year, you will automatically receive an application in the mail. To avoid delays, please complete the application online if possible. If you are unable to complete the application online, please complete and return the application to AAA7.
If you have never participated before, we encourage you to apply online. However, if you do not have access to the internet, you can request a paper application.
Apply through AAA7 – Call the AAA7 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program direct line at 1-800-343-8112 or email FarmersMarket@aaa7.org .
· Please note that when applying online, you can only use one email per account.
· To avoid delays, we encourage you to complete your application online, if possible.
Please note: Applications must be completed annually. There is no automatic renewal from previous participation.
Products can only be purchased from farmers who are certified in the program, and there will be a sign posted at their booth indicating this.
· ODA and AAA7 will share the list of participating farmers online once they are confirmed.
Farmers interested in participating in the program this year will work directly with the Ohio Department of Aging through their partner, the Ohio Farmers Market Network (OFMN). Farmers interested in learning more about participating can contact OFMN at senior@ohiofarmersmarketnetwork.org.
The local Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. provides non-discriminatory services in 10 southern Ohio counties including Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton. These services are provided to help seniors and people with disabilities live safely and independently in the housing of their choice through Medicare, Medicaid, other federal and state resources, and privately paid services. AAA7’s Resource Center is available to anyone in the community seeking information or assistance regarding long-term care options. Open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Resource Center is a valuable point of contact to learn more about your options and the programs and services available to help.
