SHARE THIS

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

Image removed.

 

Ohio's 2026 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides eligible adults (60+) with $50 in benefits for local produce, honey, and herbs.

  • Recipient online application will open on April 22nd at 12:00pm EDT and close May 22nd at 6:00pm EDT. 
  • Recipients must be 60 or older, earn less than 185% of the federal poverty level, and reapply every year due to federal regulations.  

The federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds expired September 30, 2025, returning the overall budget for the program to its original levels. This reduces the number of older adults who can participate in the 2026 program season. To better understand potential unmet need and ensure full use of benefits issued, there is an application deadline of Friday, May 22. Applications will no longer be accepted after this date.

 

Click here for more information.

Apply here:  aging.ohio.gov/SFMNP  You will be asked to choose your "Receipt of Benefits" method.

Key 2026 Program Details:

  • Eligibility: Must be age 60 or older and have an annual household income less than 185% of the federal 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

For 2026, the 185% of the Federal Poverty Level is:

 

  • Benefit Amount: $50 total, provided digitally via the Homegrown Benefits app or a physical card.
  • Redemption Period: Benefits can be used until November 30, 2026.
  • Reapplication: Everyone must reapply annually, even if you had a card in 2025.

 

If approved, new users will receive a card by mail (4-6 weeks) or via the app, while returning users may have funds loaded to their existing card. 

Your $50 benefit will be available after May 15. 

 

Do you have online resources for assisting on how to set up my Homegrown Benefits account?

“Resources for Older Ohioans” is a step-by-step guide to assist you with setting up your account. 

 

How do I use my benefits?

Participants will log in to the Homegrown Benefits eFMNP mobile app and click "Pay Vendor." Allow the authorized farmers/markets (vendors) to scan the QR code. The vendor will complete the steps on the following page through their mobile app. Before completing the transaction, participants can confirm the transaction amount.

If you requested a Physical Benefit Card, please keep for future use. Card is reusable. You must reapply every program year. If you are approved, your benefit will be loaded directly on your current card.

Image removed.

 

 

Need assistance with the application process?

 

  • Stark, Summit, or Wayne County residents should contact Vantage Aging: (330)-253-4597
  • Portage County residents should contact Portage County Senior Center: (330)-297-3456

 

If you have received confirmation online and need assistance to access your benefit, check your balance, reset your password, or other app issues that need troubleshooted, contact Ohio Homegrown Benefits Support Line at (614) 412-1729, Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., or Saturday-Sunday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

 

Related Information