About Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
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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Senior Application Opens April 22, 2026
The application period is open from 12 PM on Wednesday, April 22 until 6:00 PM on Friday, May 22, 2026.
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 through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP).
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 through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP).
“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.”
All Ohio seniors, regardless of previous application and/or approval must apply annually to receive benefits.
Already have a card? Keep it handy!
If you already have a physical benefit card, you may reload it when you apply for 2026 benefits. Please have the card with you when you apply so that you may enter the card number on your application.
If you already have a physical benefit card, you may reload it when you apply for 2026 benefits. Please have the card with you when you apply so that you may enter the card number on your application.
Don’t have a card but want one? Had a card but lost it?
You may request a new card during the application process. Cards may take 4-6 weeks to arrive.
You may request a new card during the application process. Cards may take 4-6 weeks to arrive.
Skip the card! Use the mobile app, Homegrown Benefits.
Click the buttons below for a tutorial on downloading and using Homegrown Benefits. With the mobile app, benefits will be automatically loaded and ready for use when the spending period opens on May 15
Click the buttons below for a tutorial on downloading and using Homegrown Benefits. With the mobile app, benefits will be automatically loaded and ready for use when the spending period opens on May 15
Do I have to choose between the card and the mobile app?
Nope! You may request a physical card or enter the card number you already have AND use the mobile app. No need to choose!
Nope! You may request a physical card or enter the card number you already have AND use the mobile app. No need to choose!
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
