Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

2026 Timeline:

• Applications available (online only): April 22, 2026, at 12:00pm
• Begin redeeming benefits: May 15, 2026
• Application deadline *NEW for 2026*: May 22, 2026
• Last day to redeem benefits: November 30, 2026

The 2026 Ohio Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) helps provide low-income older adults access to fresh, nutritious, unprepared locally grown fruits, vegetables, fresh herbs, and honey through farmers’ markets and roadside stands.  Eligible participants receive $50 in benefits to use at participating farmers’ markets and roadside stands.

Applications for the 2026 SFMNP will be completed electronically using the Homegrown Benefits app/website (see helpful links below). The process has been streamlined this year to make it easier to obtain benefits. Participants can redeem benefits using both the mobile option (app) or the physical benefit card. If choosing to use a benefit card, please expect 4-6 weeks for processing and shipping.

Program eligibility

The program is available to applicants who are 60 or older, residents of Ohio, and have an annual household income that is less than 185% of the poverty level.

• $0-$29,526 for a 1-person household
• $0-$40,034 for a 2-person household
• $0-$50,542 for a 3-person household
• $0-$61,050 for a 4-person household
• $0-$71,558 for a 5-person household
• $0-$82,066 for a 6-person household

Each eligible older adult in a household may apply. All past participants must apply yearly.

The Lake County Council on Aging staff is available to assist those in our service area in determining whether they are eligible for the program and, if needed, to complete the application. Call (440) 205-8111 for assistance.

SFMNP Helpful Links

• Homegrown Benefits website link
• List of authorized vendors

How do I apply?

• Click here for a complete step-by-step application process

Support for the application process

Consult these resources for creating an account and using the app:

• Confirm email and install app (Apple)
• Confirm email and install app (Android)
• How to use the app

Please reach out to Homegrown Benefits Support Line for any technical assistance, including issues with the mobile app, checking benefit balance, and setting up an account.

Homegrown Benefits support line: (614) 412-1729

Availability of SFMNP

This institution is an equal opportunity provider; eligible applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

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**

Nondiscrimination Statement