COLUMBUS – To ensure Ohio seniors have 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 age 60 and older will have the choice to use a mobile application or a physical card to access nutritious produce at farmers markets across the state.
“We wanted to make it easier for Ohio’s seniors to bring healthy foods into their homes while supporting local farmers,” said ODA Director Ersel J. McElroy. “The modernization of the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is a win-win for everyone and furthers our agency’s commitment to providing more Ohioans with healthy lifestyle choices so they can age thrive.”
ODA is partnering with Homegrown Benefits to build and manage the new SFMNP app. Ohioans can download the “Homegrown Benefits – for eFMNP” app from the Apple Store and Google Play Store. Ohioans can also manage their SFMNP accounts on the Homegrown Benefits website.
Every qualifying Ohioan will receive $50 each year to spend 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 use their benefits in any increment, providing greater flexibility and further empowering Ohio’s seniors.
To be eligible for the program, Ohioans must be 60 years of age or older and earn less than 185% of the federal poverty level. Ohioans can apply for the program online at Aging.Ohio.gov/SFMNP. Ohioans must reapply annually to continue receiving benefits.
The SFMNP is administered locally by Ohio’s Area Agencies on Aging, and nearly all agencies have chosen to include their own region in the areas participating in the program modernization.
Ohioans who live in Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Morgan, Monroe, Noble, Perry and Washington counties can also participate, but must register through the Buckeye Hills Regional Council rather than through ODA’s online form. For this program year, Ohioans who live in these counties will receive traditional SFMNP vouchers rather than access to the app.
Funding for the program modernization came from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which awarded ODA approximately $4 million to expand SFMNP delivery.
Also, as part of this year’s program upgrades, SFMNP, which was previously only available in 81 of Ohio’s 88 counties, will be expanded statewide.
In keeping with ODA’s vision to make Ohio the best place in the nation to retire, SFMNP increases Ohio’s seniors’ access to and consumption of fruits and vegetables while providing opportunities for community and civic participation. The program is proven to increase socialization among Ohio’s seniors while educating them about where their food comes from and how to make healthy choices.
This program expansion will support Ohio’s food and agriculture industry. This initiative will benefit Ohio’s farmers and farmers’ markets through increased agricultural revenues brought to Ohio. SFMNP will also improve local economies and strengthen Ohio’s food system.
(Information submitted by the Ohio Department of Aging)
