Lake County Council on Aging is once again acting as a distribution agent for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, the Mentor-based nonprofit has announced.
The program, funded by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Ohio Department of Aging, aims to provide low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs.
Eligible participants in the initiative receive a $50 credit voucher that can be used at participating farmers’ markets and roadside stands.
To qualify for the program, individuals must be 60 years of age or older and have an income below 185 percent of the federal poverty level.
Officials confirmed that participants must reapply each year to continue receiving benefits.
Similar to previous years, program recipients will also have the option to sign up for digital benefits, which can be redeemed through a smartphone app.
Individuals who register for the program using an email address will receive a confirmation email of their approval and can start using their $50 voucher May 15.
Physical cards are also available.
Participants who opted to receive a physical card last year and are still eligible will be able to reuse those cards in 2026, with the $50 amount reloaded May 15.
Cards will also be delivered to those who misplaced their 2025 cards, did not obtain a physical card last year or are signing up for the first time this year.
Delivery of physical cards may take between 4 and 6 weeks.
If reapproved for the program this year, participants are encouraged to retain their cards for use in 2027.
The application deadline for benefits is May 22, and the last day to redeem benefits is Nov. 30.
To apply, visit www.aging.ohio.gov/SFMNP.
For the current list of participating Lake County farmers’ markets, visit ohiofarmersmarketnetwork.org/sfmnp-directory/. The website will be updated throughout the 2026 season.
For Lake County seniors who need online application assistance, have general questions about the program or would like a current list of participating Lake County markets when available, call the Lake County Council on Aging at 440-205-8111.