Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program 2025

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

The Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) helps provide low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs.  Eligible participants receive a $50 credit to use at participating farmers’ markets and roadside stands.

To be eligible for the program, Ohioans must be 60 or older and earn less than 185% of the federal poverty level. Ohioans must re-apply every year to continue receiving benefits.

As was the case in 2024, program recipients will have the opportunity to sign up for digital benefits this year, redeemable with a smartphone app. Ohioans who sign up for the program with an email address will receive a confirmation email of their approval and can begin using their $50 starting on May 15, 2025.

Physical cards also remain available. Ohioans who chose to receive physical cards last year, and who remain eligible this year, will be able to reuse those cards in 2025, with the $50 loaded onto the cards on May 15, 2025. Physical cards will also be delivered to eligible Ohioans who misplaced their 2024 cards, did not obtain a physical card in 2024, or who are signing up for the first time in 2025. Physical cards may take 4-6 weeks for delivery.

Applications for 2025 will close on September 30, 2025, and all funds must be spent by November 30, 2025. If reapproved for the program this year, Ohioans are encouraged to retain their physical cards for use again in 2026.

2025 Online Application

Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) made the switch from printed coupons statewide to a new app-based model last year. In the new model, participants can use their benefits in any dollar increment, creating more flexibility and giving more power to older Ohioans while also reducing administrative costs.

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 encouraging healthier choices.

The program supports 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.

Contact: For online application assistance and/or a list of participating Lake County farmers markets, call the Lake County Council on Aging at (440) 205-8111. **Please note participating Lake County farmers markets will be updated throughout the 2025 season**

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