The Ohio Department of Aging (AGE) announces 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, at 12:00 p.m. EDT. On that time and date, the application form for the 2026 SFMNP season becomes available online at aging.ohio.gov/SFMNP. The application deadline is Friday, May 22, at 6:00 p.m. EDT. Please note that no 2026 applications can be accepted before Noon April 22 or after 6pm May 22.
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.
Eligible applicants must earn less than 185% of the federal poverty level. Ohioans must reapply each year to continue receiving coupons.
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition 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.
Click here to view a regularly updated list of authorized Farmers Market locations.
Interested farmers or markets wanting more information about the program can contact the Ohio Farmers Market Network at Senior@ohiofarmersmarketnetwork.org.
Click here for more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the SFMNP on AGE’s website.
