About SFMNP
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is a federally funded program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) Agency, and in Ohio, by the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA). ODA provides additional state funds to support SFMNP operation within Ohio. The SFMNP provides low- income older adults with financial benefits to purchase eligible, locally-grown produce at farmers markets, roadside stands and/or farm markets.
The SFMNP is supplementary to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and to any other Federal, State or local food or nutrition assistance program.
What is the purpose of SFMNP?
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Provide resources in the form of fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally-grown fruits, vegetables, honey and fresh, cut herbs from farmers markets, roadside stands, and community support agriculture (CSA) programs to low-income older adults
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Increase the domestic consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding or aiding in the expansion of domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, and CSAs
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Develop or aid in the development of new and additional farmers markets, roadside stands, and CSAs
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Important Dates: |
Eligibility: |
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Eligible Foods List:
- Fresh Vegetables: asparagus, beans (green or snap), beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, corn on the cob, cucumbers, eggplant, greens, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, okra, onions, parsnips, peas, peppers, potatoes, radishes, rhubarb, rutabagas, spinach, squash, tomatoes, turnips, and zucchini.
- Fresh Fruits: apricots, apples, berries, cantaloupes (whole), cherries, grapes, whole melons, peaches, pear, plums, and pumpkins (non-decorative).
- Fresh, Cut Herbs: basil, chives, cilantro, dill, garlic, horseradish, lovage, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, and thyme.
- Honey: comb, cut comb-liquid honey, naturally crystallized honey, Kosher/wild honey, and unflavored honey sticks.
Ineligible Foods List:
- Ineligible Fruits: citrus and tropical fruits are not eligible to be purchased with Ohio SFMNP benefits. These fruits are not locally grown. Dried fruits, such as prunes and raisins.
- Ineligible Vegetables: dried vegetables, such as sun-dried tomatoes, and potted vegetable plants
- Ineligible Herbs: dried, potted, and uncut herbs
- Ineligible Honey: flavored, whipped, pasteurized, and infused honey products
- Processed Fruits and Vegetables: any fruit or vegetable processed or prepared beyond their natural state except for usual harvesting and cleaning processes.
- Potted Fruit or Vegetable Plants: fruit and vegetable plants in any form (potted, seedling, etc.)
- Other Ineligible Foods: baked goods and processed foods, including jams, apple butter, apple cider, maple syrup, wild rice, nuts, seeds, eggs, meat, milk, cheese, and seafood
2025 Authorized SFMNP Partners
2025 List by county - Authorized Farm Markets, Roadside Stands and Farmers Markets as of April 16, 2025. |
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Apply online for the 2025 Senior Farmers Market Nutritional Program
Applicant Reminders:
- Applications are not processed until entered online.
- Each applicant choosing to receive their QR codes via email must enter a unique email address and be able to check their inbox.
- Physical benefits cards should be saved to reload again in 2026. New cards may not be available next year.
Applicants will not be able to change their choice of mobile app or card once the application is confirmed. If choosing the mobile app, applicants must check their emails for a link from [email protected]. Applicants will not receive a call or letter.
Unsuccessful Application Submission:
- Once clicking “confirm” the system will take applicants back to the field that has an error.
- Red error messages will flag duplicate emails, birth dates, and other disqualifying factors.
Due to cost, AAA9 will only mail printed QR codes if a system failure causes an applicant to wait over 6 weeks for their physical benefit card.
