06/02/2026
SENIOR FARMERS MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM!!!!!!!
I wanted to share what you can do try and help others get more funding in the future. Mainly ...Use your balance monthly!!! And if you want....be a squeaky wheel and contact those in power and let them know how influential this program is... ❤️
On a sad side note........WHY.....WHY WHY is Knox Berry Farm and the Mount Vernon Farmers Market (they removed us from their page so I can't even tag them...very childish of them because I continue to promote them so put your BiG boy pants on!!!) the only merchants in alllllllllllllll of Knox County that accept the SFMNP????????!!!!!
Come on Knox County Ohio!!! , how about in 2027 we have more merchants apply giving our seniors way more opportunities for great food!!! ❤️
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Let's Talk About Funding
Limited funds for Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)
Thank you for sharing your feedback regarding the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). All of it. The appreciation (from those who received benefits), the frustration (technology, communications, missed opportunities) and even the anger (for not receiving benefits, lack of response or follow up). We hear you and share many of these feelings.
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Are SFMNP benefits really gone?
Yes. Unfortunately, the funding limit has been reached and we are unable to award any additional benefits in 2026.
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How are SFMNP benefits gone already?
For the past two years, Ohio's program was uplifted and modernized by the temporary federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds which expired in September 2025. The expiration of this grant returns the overall budget for the SFMNP to its original levels, therefore reducing the number of older adults who can participate in the program.
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But I already have a card, why aren’t benefits just renewed?
As required by the USDA and federal law, eligible persons must reapply annually. This is required primarily due to the income eligibility which changes each year.
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What can we do? How do we get more benefits?
Great question and here are several ways to support the growth of the SFMNP.
If you receive benefits, USE THEM! By increasing our redemption rate (meaning the number of benefits used that were issued), we show need and impact.
If you determine that you are unable or do not wish to use the benefits, please contact us at [email protected].
Call our Senators. Encourage our senators to allocate more funds to this important program.
Get in touch with your representative in the House.
Contact your state legislators and encourage them to allocate money in Ohio’s state budget to the SFMNP.
The Ohio Farmers Market Network is proud to support this program, the farmers who feed us and the Benefit Recipients who depend on these funds. We continuously seek new partnerships and investments by private and public institutions in programs that make a difference. ❤️
