Ohio Department of Aging Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

About the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

Fresh fruits and vegetables are an important part of federal dietary guidelines. They are also good sources of fiber; low in sugar, fat and sodium; and nutrient-rich, yet low in calories. In addition, fresh fruits and vegetables add flavor and variety to meals.

The Department of Aging partners with area agencies on aging to offer the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program in 45 counties. The program operates each year.

Market Memo ~ Fresh Facts

Eligibility and Enrollment

You are eligible for the Ohio Senior Farmers’ Market program if you are age 60 or older, reside in a service area that participates in the program and have a household income that falls within one of these guidelines:

• $20,147 or less – household of 1 person
• $27,214 or less – household of 2 people
• $34,281 or less – household of 3 people
• $41,348 or less – household of 4 people
• $48,415 or less – household of 5 people
• $55,482 or less – household of 6 people
• $62,549 or less – household of 7 people
• $69,616 or less – household of 8 people

Household income includes not only all wages and salaries, but also such items as unemployment insurance, disability payments, retirement checks and regular rental receipts, as well as any personal business, investment or other kinds of income received routinely. The residents of the household do not have to be related to the head of the household for their earnings to be considered part of the household's income.

To enroll, contact your area agency on aging. Staff there will tell you how to access coupons. Participants receive ten $5 coupons. If you are homebound, you may select someone trustworthy to pick up and redeem coupons for you.

You can use your coupons at participating farmers’ markets and roadside stands. Look for the senior farmers’ market poster when shopping.

How the Program Works

Coupons can be redeemed for fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs and honey. Eligible items are listed in the chart below. Please select produce equal to the amount of the coupon. No change will be given.

Coupons may not be used to purchase flowers, potted plants, crafts, eggs, nuts, rice, popcorn, dried produce, dried herbs and baked goods. Coupons also may not be used to purchase processed foods, such as jams, apple butter, apple cider or maple syrup. Lemons, oranges, limes, grapefruits, pineapples, mangos and bananas are not grown locally and may not be purchased with coupons.

Locally Grown Produce

Participating Counties

Region 3: Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Hardin, Mercer, Putnam and Van Wert Counties
Area Agency on Aging 3
Contact: Rhonda Davisson, (419) 222-7723

Region 4: Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Paulding, Sandusky, Seneca, Williams and Wood Counties
Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, Inc.
Contact: Rebecca Liebes, (419) 382-0624

Region 6: Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Licking, Madison and Pickaway Counties
Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging
Contact: Linda Gillespie, (614) 645-3860, or Jennifer Fralic, (614) 437-2863

Region 7: Ross County
Area Agency on Aging 7, Inc.
Contact: Rita Pauley, (740) 245-5306

Region 8: Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry and Washington Counties
Area Agency on Aging Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District
Contact: Cathy Ash or Denise Keyes, (740) 373-6400

Region 9: Muskingum County
Area Agency on Aging Region 9, Inc.
Contact: Diane Phillips, (740) 435-4913

Region 10a: Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina Counties
Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging
Contact: Janice Davis, (216) 621-8010

Region 10b: Portage, Stark, Summit and Wayne Counties
Area Agency on Aging, 10B, Inc.
Contact: Jill Riffle, (330) 899-5229

Region 11: Columbiana and Mahoning Counties
Area Agency on Aging 11, Inc.
Contact: Lisa Gill-Argiro, (330) 505-2360