Mike DeWine, Governor

Jon Husted, Lt. Governor 

Ursel J. McElroy, Director

Fostering sound public policy, research, and initiatives that benefit older Ohioans.

246 N. High St. / 1st Fl. Columbus, OH 43215-2406 U.S.A. www.aging.ohio.gov

Main: (614) 466-5500 Fax: (614) 466-5741 TTY: Dial 711

Ohio Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

Guidelines during Pandemic & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Released April 8, 2020 

Updated April 10, April 24, 2020 

The Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) remains committed to the objectives of Ohio’s Senior Farmers’

Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP): providing low-income seniors with access to locally grown produce;

increase the domestic consumption of agriculture commodities; and aid in the development of new and

additional farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and CSA programs.

During this unprecedented time of the COVID-19 pandemic, SFMNP operations will require adjustment

to ensure older adults and authorized vendors, including farmers and farmers’ market vendors remain

safe. Certified farmers’ markets, farm and produce stands, and other establishments engaged in the

retail sale of fresh produce have been designated as essential under section 12.b of the Stay at Home 

Order. With that said, providing COVID-19 poses the level of risk we are currently experiencing, Ohio

SFMNP must operate under modified conditions to protect the health and well-being of all community

members. ODA recommends modifying Ohio SFMNP operations for the duration of the 2020 program. 

GUIDELINES DURING PANDEMIC 

Alternative SFMNP Models

This guidance is issued based on the source of funding (USDA or State General Revenue Funding 

(GRF)) allotted to each AAA, due to differing regulations. Category 1 guidance includes those 

agencies that receive only USDA funds for SFMNP operations. Category 2 guidance includes 

those agencies that receive GRF or receive a combination of GRF and USDA funds for SFMNP 

operations. The source of funding allocated to each AAA is included below. 

Agency 

Source of Funds Guidance 

USDA Category State 

GRF 

AAA1 X 2 

AAA2 X 2 

AAA3 X 1 

AAA4 X 1 

AAA5 X 2 

AAA6 X 1 

AAA7 X X 2 

AAA8 X 1 

AAA9 X X 2 

AAA10A X 1 

AAA10B X 1 

AAA11 X 1 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-
2 

Category 1 Guidance

The following guidance is directed towards AAAs receiving USDA SFMNP funding. 

I) Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Programs

A CSA is a program under which a farmer or group of farmers grows food for a group of

shareholders (or subscribers) who pledge to buy a portion of the farmer’s crop(s) for that

season. The agency may purchase shares or subscribe to a CSA program on behalf of

individual SFMNP participants.

In effort to maintain physical distancing of older adults, ODA recommends agencies

consider incorporating CSA programs into SFMNP operations. CSA programs offer an

alternative to shopping and interacting in-person at a traditional farmers’ market and/or

roadside stands. Produce may be distributed to a central location and/or delivered

directly to a consumer’s home. AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners may consider

implementing CSA produce delivery through home delivered meal providers or

coordinated efforts with senior housing communities.

At the current time, AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners must limit the value of

shared award to CSA programs to no more than 50 percent of their total SFMNP food

grant. ODA has submitted a request to USDA to allow up to 100 percent of food funds to

be used for CSA implementation and are awaiting this decision.

II) Bulk Purchasing

Bulk purchasing is a program model in which bulk quantities of certain produce items are

purchased directly from authorized farmers by the agency and are then equitably divided 

among and distributed directly to eligible SFMNP participants, either at a central

distribution point or through some type of home delivery network.

AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners are encouraged to consider this as an option to

purchasing produce in bulk and distributing to older adults at home. AAAs and/or

contracted SFMNP-partners may use up to 100% of their food award towards bulk

purchasing practices.

III) Traditional SFMNP Model

AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners may move forward with “traditional” methods

of SFMNP operation, including participants shopping and interacting in-person at a

farmers’ market and/or roadside stand. In this circumstance, AAAs and/or SFMNPcontracted partners should delay program operations until at least July 2020 or until the

Stay at Home Order is lifted.

AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners are encouraged to connect with local farmers,

farmers’ markets, and the Ohio Farmers' Market Network to learn about how they are

adapting operations to comply with public health official’s guidance and requirements.

Farmers market operators, farmers and food producers care deeply about the

communities they serve. With added precautions, new procedures, and proactive steps,

they are committed to continuing to serve the community by providing access to fresh,

locally grown food. For more detail about resources and best practices of farmers’

markets, visit COVID-19 and Your Farmers' Markets.

AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners may select one or more of the above program models 

to implement for SFMNP 2020. A combination of the above models is also permitted. For 
3 

example, an agency may select to implement a CSA model May – July and the traditional 

program model August – November. 

Category 2 Guidance

The following guidance is directed towards AAAs receiving State GRF or a combination of USDA 

and State GRF SFMNP funding. 

• Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Programs

A CSA is a program under which a farmer or group of farmers grows food for a group of

shareholders (or subscribers) who pledge to buy a portion of the farmer’s crop(s) for

that season. The agency may purchase shares or subscribe to a CSA program on behalf

of individual SFMNP participants.

In effort to maintain physical distancing of older adults, ODA recommends agencies

consider incorporating CSA programs into SFMNP operations. CSA programs offer an

alternative to shopping and interacting in-person at a traditional farmers’ market and/or

roadside stands. Produce may be distributed to a central location and/or delivered

directly to a consumer’s home. AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners may consider

implementing CSA produce delivery through home delivered meal providers or

coordinated efforts with senior housing communities.

AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners may use up to 100 percent of food funds for

CSA implementation. If the capacity is present, ODA recommends agencies consider

implementing a full CSA model for SFMNP 2020.

• Bulk Purchasing

Bulk purchasing is a program model in which bulk quantities of certain produce items are 

purchased directly from authorized farmers by the agency, and are then equitably

divided among and distributed directly to eligible SFMNP participants, either at a central

distribution point or through some type of home delivery network

AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners are encouraged to consider this as an option to 

purchasing produce in bulk and distributing to older adults at home. AAAs and/or

contracted SFMNP-partners may use up to 100% of their food award towards bulk

purchasing practices.

• Traditional SFMNP Model

AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners may move forward with “traditional” methods

of SFMNP operation, including participants shopping and interacting in-person at a

farmers’ market and/or roadside stand. In this circumstance, AAAs and/or SFMNPcontracted partners should delay program operations until at least July 2020 or until the

Stay at Home Order is lifted.

AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners are encouraged to connect with local farmers,

farmers’ markets, and the Ohio Farmers' Market Network to learn about how they are

adapting operations to comply with public health official’s guidance and requirements.

Farmers market operators, farmers and food producers care deeply about the

communities they serve. With added precautions, new procedures, and proactive steps,

they are committed to continuing to serve the community by providing access to fresh,

locally grown food. For more detail about resources and best practices of farmers’

markets, visit COVID-19 and Your Farmers' Markets
4 

• Other Models

With prior approval from ODA, AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners may

implement other “non-traditional” program models, including but not limited to mobile

markets. With State GRF, AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted are permitted greater

flexibility of SFMNP operations.

AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners may select one or more of the above program models 

to implement for SFMNP 2020. A combination of the above models is also permitted. For 

example, an agency may select to implement a CSA model May – July and the traditional 

program model August – November. 

SFMNP Participant Applications

AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners are encouraged to continue accepting participant 

applications for SFMNP 2020. Participant applications may be accepted online, over the phone, 

or through the mail. AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners should limit in-person contact and 

avoid mass gathering events to apply for SFMNP benefits. Mass gatherings are defined as any 

event or convening that brings together 10 or more persons in a single room or single space at 

the same time. 

Participant Signature Requirement

• The participant (and proxy) physical signature requirement on SFMNP applications has

been suspended for Ohio SFMNP.

o Participants and/or proxies completing paper-based, physical applications

should complete and sign the application before submission.

o For participant applications completed and submitted online, the participant

and/or proxy can electronically “sign” their name.

o For participant applications completed and submitted over the phone, the

participant and/or proxy should also submit a text or email message confirming

their eligibility.

• The participant application serves as a participant’s statement affirming that their

household size and income does not exceed the maximum income eligibility for SFMNP

2020.

SFMNP Coupon Distribution

AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners should plan to distribute coupons through the mail. In 

accordance with the Stay at Home Order and in effort to maintain the practice of physical 

distancing, AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners should limit in-person contact and mass 

gathering events for coupon distribution. Mass gatherings are defined as any event or convening 

that brings together 10 or more persons in a single room or single space at the same time. 

• AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners may delay coupon distribution until the Stay at

Home Order is lifted. If the traditional SFMNP model is sustained, ODA recommends

AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners delay coupon distribution until at least July

2020.

• AAAs and/or SFMNP- contracted partners may select to suspend use of SFMNP coupons

if a community supported agriculture (CSA) or bulk purchasing model is being

implemented. In this circumstance, AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners must

establish a method to track benefits distributed to participants. Benefits may not exceed

$50/participant/SFMNP 2020.
5 

SFMNP Printed Materials

All AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners will receive have received physical copies of 

SFMNP participant applications, coupons, brochures and posters. In the event SFMNP 

applications and coupons remain unused, these should be disposed of following conclusion of 

SFMNP 2020. In accordance with the Ohio SFMNP Program Manual, any unused, pre-printed 

SFMNP coupons must be shredded and disposed of properly. AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted 

partners are encouraged to maintain unused brochures and posters, as these can be reserved 

for use in SFMNP 2021. 

Amid COVID-19, ODA encourages AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners to develop and implement a 

SFMNP plan of operation that continues to meet the needs of low-income older adults and support the 

local economy while keeping safety and health concerns a top priority. AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted

partners are required to clearly communicate the SFMNP 2020 plan of operations for their prospective 

region on/before Friday, May 8, 2020 to Carmen Clutter (CClutter@age.ohio.gov ). 
6 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Q: Should we stop accepting SFMNP 2020 participant applications?

A: AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners are encouraged to continue accepting participant 

applications for SFMNP 2020. Participant applications may be accepted online, over the phone, 

or through the mail. AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners should limit in-person contact and 

avoid mass gathering events to apply for SFMNP benefits. Mass gatherings are defined as any 

event or convening that brings together 10 or more persons in a single room or single space at 

the same time. 

2. Q: Should AAAs take applications now and not distribute coupons until July?

A: In response to COVID-19, Ohio SFMNP 2020 has expanded opportunities to incorporate 

alternative operation models, including community supported agriculture (CSA) programs and 

bulk distribution practices. AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners should identify what 

program model(s) to implement, including how it will be operationalized. AAAs and/or SFMNPcontracted partners may determine the appropriate time to accept applications and distribute 

coupons based on the above guidelines. 

If AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners have begun accepting applications, they are 

encouraged to continue doing so. ODA encourages AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners to 

distribute coupons through the mail. In accordance with the Stay at Home Order and in effort to 

maintain the practice of physical distancing, AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners should 

limit in-person contact and mass gathering events for coupon distribution. Mass gatherings are 

defined as any event or convening that brings together 10 or more persons in a single room or 

single space at the same time. 

AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners may delay coupon distribution until the Stay at Home 

Order is lifted. If the traditional SFMNP model is sustained, ODA recommends AAAs and/or 

SFMNP-contracted partners delay coupon distribution until at least July 2020. 

AAAs and/or SFMNP- contracted partners may select to suspend use of SFMNP coupons if a 

community supported agriculture (CSA) or bulk purchasing model is being implemented. In this 

circumstance, AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners must establish a method to track 

benefits distributed to participants. 

3. Q: Should we cancel SFMNP farmer/market manager training?

A: The agency must ensure that training is conducted prior to the startup of the first SFMNP 

participation of an individual farmer/market manager. The training must be interactive and may 

be delivered in a variety of methods, including telephone and video conferencing and webbased training modules. Interactive training does not need to be delivered in-person. 

4. Q: Has the COVID-19 pandemic altered SFMNP funding?

A: Notice of Grant Awards (NGAs) for USDA funded SFMNP have been distributed to AAAs. NGAs 

for second allocation of USDA funds are forthcoming. NGAs in support of the State (GRF) SFMNP 

for traditional SFMNP have been distributed to AAAs. With ODA’s continually evolving COVID19 response, funds allocated for the implementation of non-traditional pilot projects (Producing 

Healthy Seniors) are not being released at this time. 
7 

5. Q: When will AAAs receive notice of additional State GRF awards for Non-Traditional (Producing

Healthy Seniors) program models?

A: With ODA’s continually evolving COVID-19 response, funds allocated for the implementation 

of non-traditional pilot projects (Producing Healthy Seniors) are not being released at this time. 

State of Ohio fiscal teams are reviewing budgets of all State Agencies currently. ODA will provide 

updates as they are made available. 

6. Q: Are the 100% GRF supported AAAs also limited to $50 per participant?

A: State GRF present more flexibility than USDA funds, including increasing the benefit level per 

participant. However, it is important to keep in mind that if the benefit level is increased, less 

participants will be able to participate your program. 

For the USDA funded programs, the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) limits the benefit level per 

participant to no more than $50/SFMNP season. ODA encourages AAAs and/or SFMNPcontracted partners to maintain this benefit level. 

7. Q: Are CSA and bulk purchasing model participants required to get $50 worth of produce for the

season?

A: For USDA funded programs, Ohio SFMNP 2020 State Plan includes a participant benefit level 

of $50 per participant each program year. No matter the program model—traditional, 

community supported agriculture (CSA) programs and/or bulk distribution, the benefit level per 

participant should be equal to $50. AAAs and/or SFMNP- contracted partners may use a 

combination of models, however the total value of SFMNP benefits may not exceed 

$50/participant. 

State GRF present more flexibility than USDA funds, including increasing the benefit level per 

participant. However, it is important to keep in mind that if the benefit level is increased, less 

participants will be able to participate your program.

8. Q: Will there be additional funding to cover things such as postage, etc.?

A: SFMNP 2020 was the first program year ODA covered the printing and shipping costs of 

SFMNP coupons and materials, including participant applications, brochures, and posters. As 

ODA incurred these administrative costs, it is assumed that AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted 

partners have SFMNP administrative funds available to cover costs associated with mailed 

distribution. 

9. Q: Given the current situation, how should AAAs distribute SFMNP coupons?

A: AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners should plan to distribute coupons through the mail. 

In accordance with the Stay at Home Order and in effort to maintain the practice of physical 

distancing, AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners should limit in-person contact and mass 

gathering events for coupon distribution. Mass gatherings are defined as any event or convening 

that brings together 10 or more persons in a single room or single space at the same time.

AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners may delay coupon distribution until the Stay at Home 

Order is lifted. If the traditional SFMNP model is sustained, ODA recommends AAAs and/or 

SFMNP-contracted partners delay coupon distribution until at least July 2020.

AAAs and/or SFMNP- contracted partners may select to suspend use of SFMNP coupons if a 

community supported agriculture (CSA) or bulk purchasing model is being implemented. In this 

circumstance, AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners must establish a method to track 

benefits distributed to participants. For USDA funded programs, benefits may not exceed 

$50/participant/SFMNP 2020.
8 

10. Q: How do AAAs distribute SFMNP coupons on a first come/first serve basis with this new

method?

A: AAAs are encouraged to develop a process for tracking participant applications in the order in 

which they are received. It is best practice to process, and approve, applications first received. 

11. Q: What about AAAs/SFMNP contracted-partners that use coupons with a mid-season expiration

date? How should AAAs handle/distribute coupons that have an expiration date of July or August

if the program is delayed until July?

A: ODA encourages AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners to consider strategies that allow 

coupons with early expiration dates to still be used. AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners

may select to extend the expiration date of all distributed coupons to October/November 2020 

by communicating this intent to participants, farmers, and market managers, alike. For smaller 

programs, AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted may consider altering the expiration date of these 

coupons by placing a printed label over the July/August expiration date. 

AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners are encouraged to collaborate with ODA’s SFMNP 

team (CClutter@age.ohio.gov / ADavis@age.ohio.gov) to determine the best approach for using 

coupons that expire mid-season. 

As a reminder, SFMNP coupons must be distributed to all participants by September 30, 2020. 

Coupons must be used by participants no later than November 30, 2020, or an earlier date 

determined by the AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partner. 

12. Q: Should we avoid mass distribution events at all or just wait until July, assuming the Stay at

Home order has been lifted by then?

A: AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners should plan to distribute coupons through the mail. 

In accordance with the Stay at Home Order and in effort to maintain the practice of physical 

distancing, AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners should limit in-person contact and mass 

gathering events for coupon distribution. Mass gatherings are defined as any event or convening 

that brings together 10 or more persons in a single room or single space at the same time.

Once the Stay at Home Order has been lifted, AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners may 

consider in-person distribution at that time, however this may not occur before July 2020. It is 

important to consider that once the Stay at Home Order is lifted, the recommendation for older 

adults to practice physical distancing may remain in place. 

13. Q: Would AAAs be allowed to let participants know that due to the COVID 19 pandemic, coupons

will not be mailed out until July??

A: In response to COVID-19, Ohio SFMNP 2020 has expanded opportunities to incorporate 

alternative operation models, including community supported agriculture (CSA) programs and 

bulk distribution practices. AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners should identify what 

program model(s) to implement and how it will be operationalized, including determining how 

this will be communicated to participants. 

14. Q: Can the AAA develop a way to track SFMNP benefits without the use of coupons?

A: AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners should identify what program model(s) to 

implement and how it will be operationalized, including how benefit use will be tracked. ODA 

encourages AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners to use SFMNP coupons when at all 

possible. 

Traditional models require the use of SFMNP coupons. Alternative models, including community 

supported agriculture (CSA) programs and bulk purchasing practices may not necessitate the use 

of coupons. In this circumstance, AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners must establish a 
9 

method to track benefits distributed to participants. This process must be reviewed and 

approved by ODA. Programs funded by USDA support may not exceed a benefit level of 

$50/participant/SFMNP 2020.

15. Q: What if our region does not have options for alternative models (CSAs, mobile markets, etc.)?

A: AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners are encouraged to connect with ODA’s SFMNP 

team (CClutter@age.ohio.gov / ADavis@age.ohio.gov) to discuss plans for a successful SFMNP 

2020 season. In this circumstance, AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners may maintain the 

traditional program model (seniors shopping at farmers’ markets and roadside stands), but 

delay this practice until at least July 2020. ODA encourages AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted 

partners to connect with farmers’ markets to become familiar with how markets are preparing 

to serve consumers amid COVID-19. Currently, the Ohio Farmers’ Market Network (OFMN) is 

exploring opportunities to permit online and up-front purchasing and “curb-side” produce 

pickups. Farmers and farmers’ markets who traditionally do not operate CSAs may be willing to 

set up alternative arrangements due to the unique nature of the season.

AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners are encouraged to consider bulk purchasing options. 

Bulk purchasing may include purchasing produce directly from a local farmer(s) and distributing 

to seniors via packaged/boxed produce boxes. 

16. Q: With a CSA model to purchase the shares, is that something that can be done up front with the

farmer or after the season distribution? Is the farmer paid after the fact or paid up front to supply

produce to seniors?

A: AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners are responsible to determine contractual 

obligations between the agency and the farmer, which may include payment or a portion of 

payment at the start of the CSA season. In a typical CSA program, payment is provided “upfront”. However, an agency and farmer may agree to an alternative payment process. 

17. Q: Is there a limit to the amount of SFMNP food funds that can be used to implement a bulk

purchasing program?

A: No, there is no limit. AAAs and/or SFMNP-contracted partners may use up to 100% of food 

funds to implement a bulk purchasing model. The value of benefits received by each participant 

may not exceed $50/season. 

18. Q: Can SFMNP coupons be used online to purchase eligible foods?

A: For AAAs receiving USDA funds, SFMNP coupons must be transacted at the farmers’ market 

or roadside stands. If the service is offered, authorized farmers and farmers’ markets may 

implement online ordering for SFMNP participants, however the transaction of payment with 

SFMNP coupon must be done in-person, at produce pickup. 

19. Q: Will ODA be able to carry over any unspent funds for SFMNP 2020 to SFMNP 2021?

A: No. All unused SFMNP 2020 funds must be returned to USDA FNS by February 1, 2021. All 

returned funds by the USDA is then reallocated to all programs for SFMNP 2021. 

20. Q: Will Ohio receive special consideration for USDA SFMNP 2021 funding for large amounts of

SFMNP funds returned at the end of SFMNP 2020?

A: No. The USDA SFMNP funding formula does not into account expenditures or use of grant 

funds when allocating base grants. Provided that sufficient SFMNP funds are available, each 

State agency that participated in the SFMNP in any prior fiscal year, will receive not less than 

the amount of funds the State agency received in the most recent fiscal year in which it 

received funding (see 7 CFR 249.14(b)).