Enrollment for 2026 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Begins April 22

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio Department of Aging (AGE) is announcing a new season of the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). Eligible Ohioans will once again have access to $50 in fresh locally grown fruits, vegetables, fresh-cut herbs, and unprocessed honey.

Enrollment is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. EDT. That is when applications for the 2026 season of the SFMNP will be available online at Aging.Ohio.Gov/SFMNP. The application deadline is Friday, May 22, at 6:00 p.m. EDT.

"The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is a fantastic way to bring fruits and vegetables into the homes of older Ohioans, while also supporting local farmers," said AGE Director Ursel J. McElroy. "Providing additional ways for older adults to eat well and make healthy choices is another way we are making 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 reapply every year to continue receiving benefits.

As was the case in 2024 and 2025, 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 2026, with the $50 loaded onto the cards on May 15. Physical cards will also be delivered to eligible Ohioans who misplaced their 2025 cards, did not obtain a physical card in 2025, or who are signing up for the first time in 2026. 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.

Aligning with AGE'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 can contact the Ohio Farmers Market Network at at [email protected].

You can find more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the SFMNP on AGE's website.

About AGE - 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 https://www.aging.ohio.gov.