Just like in the past, eligible participants will still be receiving $50 in SFMNP benefits to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as honey, at community markets and roadside stands. Now, with access to “Homegrown Benefits,” whether through the mobile app or the debit card, participants have greater flexibility to use their funds, and participating farmers will receive faster payment. The Homegrown Benefits debit card and/or mobile app replaces the coupons participants used to receive.
Interested, eligible participants must apply annually.
- If you participated in 2024 and still have your Homegrown Benefits debit card or mobile app, you still must complete the 2025 Ohio Department on Aging SFMNP application.
- If you participated in 2024 and no longer have your Homegrown Benefits debit card, you will receive a new one in the mail after you fill out the 2025 SFMNP application.
Those who have applied and been accepted into the 2025 program will be able to start spending their $50 benefit mid-May 2025. Via the debit card or mobile app, 2025 SFMNP benefits can be spent in dollars and cents. Gone are the days of having to spend in $5 increments!
We will continue to accept applications until September 30, 2025*. Benefits can be spent at the participants’ own pace through to November 30, 2025.
*Individuals are only permitted to apply once per calendar year, receiving a maximum of $50-per year.
How to apply for the SFMNP
HOMEGROWN MOBILE APP
If you opt for this selection, you will spend your 2025 SFMNP benefits entirely through your mobile device. This is the fastest way for you to access your 2025 benefits. You must have an email address and either a mobile device or tablet to go this route.
Go to the Ohio Department on Aging website and complete the online application. Once you apply, you will have nearly instantaneous access “Homegrown Benefits – for eFMNP” app, as long as you have applied after May 15, 2025. (If you apply before May 15, 2025, your benefits will be available after this date.)
- If you did not use the Homegrown mobile app in 2024, you can find it via the Apple Store as well as the Google Play store. You also will be able to go to https://portal.homegrownbenefits.com/ to access your benefits.
- Once in the app, you will be able to set up your username and password. You can Step-by-Step Homegrown App Guide.
If you have issues getting set up, you can call 614-412-1729 for the Homegrown Benefits Support Line for technical assistance using the Homegrown Benefits mobile app, to check your benefit balance, and to receive assistance setting up your Mobile App account.
HOMEGROWN DEBIT CARD
If you opt for this selection, you will use a Homegrown Benefits “debit” card that you will take with you to the participating community markets and roadside stands.
To apply for the debit card option, you will either complete an online application at the Ohio Department on Aging, or you will complete a paper copy application and mail it to LifeCare Alliance, Attn: SFMNP, 670 Harmon Ave., Columbus, OH 43223 for processing. Paper applications are available at the locations where you have gone to receive your SFMNP coupons in the past.
- If you are approved and still have a Homegrown debit card that you used in 2024, your 2025 benefit will be loaded directly on your current card. When you apply, you will have to enter your Homegrown debit card number in the application.
- If you participated in 2024 with a Homegrown debit card but you no longer have it, once you complete your application, you will receive a new card by mail in four to six weeks.
- If you are new to the program and opt for a debit card, the turnaround time from application to receiving your card via mail from ODA/Homegrown Benefits will be four to six weeks from the time that you apply.
If you request a Homegrown debit card, make sure you keep this card for the future. The card is reusable each year, but please remember that you must reapply every program year.
Eligibility for the 2025 SFMNP Program
You are eligible for this program if you are 60 years of age or older AND meet the below annual household income guidelines. Couples / eligible individuals sharing a household may each apply for the program, as long as the household income falls within the below ranges:
- 1 person in household, income of $0 – $28,952.50
- 2 persons in household, income of $0 – $39,127.50
- 3 persons in household, income of $0 – $49,302.50
- 4 persons in household, income of $0 – $59,477.50
You must also reside within one of the participating Central Ohio counties:
- Fairfield
- Fayette
- Franklin
- Licking
- Madison
- Pickaway
- Union
If you do not live in one of the above counties but meet the age and income requirements, please contact the Ohio Department on Aging to see if the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program operates in your area: Ohio Department on Aging SFMNP.
ADDITIONAL HELP
We want to make sure you have all the tools you need to make the 2025 SFMNP a success for you! You can call 614-412-1729 for the Homegrown Benefits Support Line for technical assistance using the Homegrown Benefits mobile app, to check your benefit balance, and to receive assistance setting up your Mobile App account.
You may also call LifeCare Alliance at 614-437-2865 or email us at farmer@lifecarealliance.org. Please note that the LifeCare Alliance SFMNP phone number is a voicemail-only number. Calls will be returned within 2 business days. Please leave just one voicemail message per concern.
Additional help can be found at COAAA by calling 800-589-7277.
HOW TO LOCATE PARTICIPATING FARMERS
Please use the following link to see what markets have participating farmers, as well as information on participating roadside stands: https://ohiofarmersmarketnetwork.org/senior-farmers-market-nutrition-program/
When you get to the above website, you will see that it looks like the below screenshot. You will click on a green, yellow, or blue pinpoint to get more information on the specific details of a farmer or market (i.e. location, days of the week, time, etc). Additionally, you are able to download complete lists:
FARMERS AND MARKET MANAGERS INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING
Farmer/Market Manager interested in becoming authorized, please contact Ohio Farmers Market Network at https://ohiofarmersmarketnetwork.org/.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Read the full USDA Nondiscrimination Statement.
