2025 Applications for Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Now Open

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Eligible Ohioans age 60 and older will once again have access to $50 in fresh locally grown fruits, vegetables, fresh cut herbs, and unprocessed honey in 2025 through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) announced today.

Applications for the 2025 season of the SFMNP are now available online at this link on the website of Homegrown Benefits, ODA's SFMNP partner.

Sign up for the 2025 SFMNP
View Participating Farmers Markets

"The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is a fantastic way for older Ohioans to get fresh produce from their communities while also helping Ohio farmers find new customers," said ODA Director Ursel J. McElroy. "By providing additional methods for older Ohioans to get healthy food into their diets and make smart lifestyle choices, we are continuing our mission to make Ohio the best place to age in the nation."

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.

Physical membership 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. 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.

Ohioans living in Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Morgan, Monroe, Noble, Perry, and Washington counties will still be able to participate, but they must sign up through Buckeye Hills Regional Council rather than utilizing the Homegrown website. For this program year, Ohioans in those counties will receive the traditional SFMNP coupons instead of having access to the app.

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

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.

Interested farmers or markets wanting more information about the program can contact the Ohio Farmers Market Network at Senior@ohiofarmersmarketnetwork.org.

About ODA - The Ohio Department of Aging serves and advocates for the needs of Ohioans age 60 and older, as well as their families, caregivers and communities. Programs include home and community based long-term supports and services, as well as initiatives to promote health and wellness throughout the lifespan. Visit www.aging.ohio.gov.