2023 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

LifeCare Alliance administers the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) on behalf of the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA).

This program is funded by the USDA, with additional support from COAAA and the Franklin County Office on Aging.

Annually, the program runs from June 1 through November 30. 

What eligible SFMNP participants receive 

For the 2023 season, eligible participants have their choice from three different options:  

  • $50 produce box: If you select this option, you will receive a one-time box of in-season, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and honey. Items may include onions, corn, tomatoes, carrots, peppers, peaches, and honey. 
  • $25 in coupons and $25 produce box: If you select this option, you will receive $25 in SFMNP coupons that you can use at area community farmers market and roadside stands until November 30, 2023, as well as a $25 produce box of in-season, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and honey. 
  • $50 in coupons: If you select this option, you will receive $50 in SFMNP coupons that you can use at area community farmers market and roadside stands until November 30, 2023. 

 

This program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with additional support from the Franklin County Office on Aging and Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging.

Annual program dates: June 1 through November 30.

Eligibility for the 2023 SFMNP Program

You are eligible for this program if you are 60 years of age or older AND have an annual household income that is 185% of the poverty level or less: 

  • 1 person in household, income of $0 – $26,973 
  • 2 persons in household, income of $0 – $36,482 
  • 3 persons in household, income of $0 – $45,991 
  • 4 persons in household, income of $0 – $55,500 

You must also reside within one of the participating central Ohio counties:

  • Fairfield
  • Fayette
  • Franklin
  • Licking
  • Madison
  • Pickaway
  • Union
Central Ohio Map

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: https://ohio.gov/residents/resources/senior-farmers-market-nutrition-program#:~:text=The%20Department%20of%20Aging%20partners,%2C%20income%2C%20and%20geographic%20region.  

How to apply for the SFMNP

ELECTRONIC
Click here to complete a fillable form that applicants can submit, which comes to LifeCare Alliance electronically. Electronic applications must be received by June 9, 2023 in order to be guaranteed you will receive your 2023 SFMNP benefit at your county’s distribution event.  

MAIL
Click here to download a pdf of the hard copy application. Paper copies of the applications also will be available outside the main entrance of the location where you typically visit to submit your application. Hard copy applications must be received at LifeCare Alliance by June 9, 2023 in order to be guaranteed you will receive your 2023 SFMNP benefit at your county’s distribution event. Completed hard copy applications should be mailed to LifeCare Alliance, Attention: SFMNP, 670 Harmon Ave., Columbus, OH  43223. 

CASE MANAGEMENT
If you typically work with your COAAA PASSPORT, Aetna, or Molina case manager to receive your SFMNP benefits, please contact your case manager directly about applying for the 2023 SFMNP. 

HARD COPY AT DISTRIBUTION EVENTS
Hard copy applications will be accepted on the day of your county’s distribution date. However, if an application is submitted at your county’s distribution event, LifeCare Alliance cannot guarantee that you will receive your desired choice of coupons or a produce box.  

How to receive your 2023 SFMNP benefits

SFMNP applicants are expected to be physically present to pick up their SFMNP coupons and/or produce box at their county’s distribution event. See below for a complete list of distribution dates, times, and locations by county. The exceptions to this pick up requirement are as follows: 

  • If you are unable to be physically present at your county’s scheduled distribution date, you are permitted to have a trusted representative pick up your selection for you as a proxy. A person is permitted to pick up for themselves, as well as to serve as proxy/trusted representative for a maximum of two other applicants. If you use a proxy/trusted representative, LifeCare Alliance must have your completed application on file already, OR your proxy/trusted representative must bring your completed and signed application with him/her to the distribution event. 
  • If you are unable to be physically present at your county’s scheduled distribution date; if you do not have anyone who can serve as a proxy/trusted representative for you; and if funds remain after your county’s distribution date, you will be contacted about receiving your 2023 SFMNP benefit. If no funds remain following the distribution events, your name will be added to the waiting list in the order in which your application was received originally received. 

Distribution dates by county

Franklin County
  • June 20, 2023, Doors open at 7:00am (distribution will continue throughout the day while supplies last)  
  • LifeCare Alliance, 670 Harmon Ave., Columbus, OH  43223 
Fairfield County 
  • June 28, 2023, 10:00am-12:00pm 
  • St. Mark Catholic Church, 324 Gay St., Lancaster, OH  43130
Fayette County 
  • June 22, 2023, 9:00-11:00am 
  • Community Action Center, 1400 County Highway 22, Washington CH, OH  43160 
Licking County
  • June 22, 2023, 9:00-11:00am 
  • County Aging Program, 1058 E Main St, Newark, OH 43055 
Madison County
  • June 24, 2023, 9:00-11:00am 
  • Madison County Farmers’ Market, corner of Lafayette St. (Route 42) and Keny Blvd. (next to TSC), London, OH  43140 
Pickaway County
  • June 27, 2023, 9:00-11:00am 
  • Community Action Organization, 469 E. Ohio St., Circleville, OH  43113 
Union County
  • June 23, 2023, 11:00am-1:00pm 
  • Senior Services, 940 London Ave., Room A, Marysville, OH  43040 

Distribution event and general participation reminders

  • SFMNP supplies are limited. A waiting list will be started once all initial funds are distributed to eligible participants. Unless you are working directly with your COAAA PASSPORT, Aetna, or Molina case manager, we strongly recommend that those wanting to participate in the 2023 SFMNP apply either electronically or by mail by June 9, 2023.  
  • Come prepared for the weather. You may be outside at some point waiting in line. Wear comfortable clothing and bring an umbrella, a visor, etc. depending on the predicted conditions for the day. 
  • Bring a light-weight foldable chair. You may be waiting in line for a period of time.  
  • Consider using a proxy/trusted representative to get your coupons and/or produce box, if you have difficulty standing for any period of time. If using a proxy/trusted representative, LifeCare Alliance must have your completed application on file already, OR your proxy/trusted representative must bring your completed and signed application with him/her. 
  • Don’t be surprised when we move through the line at lightning speed! In spite of large crowds, at each of the distribution events, we are committed it making it as smooth and fast of an event as possible.  

If you select to receive SFMNP coupons, here’s how they work

  • You will receive a list of community markets and roadside stands. Review the list for months, days of the week, and timeframes that area farmers’ markets are open.  
  • Look for the SFMNP posters at individual farmer’s stands when visiting community farmers’ markets and roadside stands. These posters indicate that a farmer accepts the coupons. 
  • Redeem your coupons only for locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs, and honey. Baked goods, jams, maple syrup, etc. are not eligible for purchase. 
  • Select produce equal to the amount of the coupon. No change will be given. 

We always welcome new participating farmers!

The Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging and LifeCare Alliance contract with individual farmers to sell fresh produce, herbs and honey to eligible consumers. We are able to accept new farmers at any point in the season. It’s never too late to apply!

Application materials:

Once farmers are determined to be eligible to accept SFMNP coupons, LifeCare Alliance will send you SFMNP and Civil Rights posters to display, as well as an invoice for submitting redeemed coupons for payment.  

Please call 614-437-2865 for more information. 

 

Contact us for more information

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
614.437.2865 (This is a voicemail-only number. Calls will be returned within 48-hours.) 

LifeCare Alliance
614.278.3130 

Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging
800.529.7727 

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.