TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program has been helping put fresh fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs on the tables of older Ohioans for more than 20 years. Through the program, seniors can get up to $50 worth of produce each season.

That program is now going digital and the Strain’s Farm Market in Toledo is working to ensure customers are connected to the program and getting their benefits.

“When you can buy from a farmer and get it right then and there and eat it within the next few days, the more nutrition goes into your body,” Becky Strain with Strain’s Farm Market said.

Through the program, seniors can get up to $50 worth of produce each season.

“It helps you get older Americans the healthy fruits and vegetables so many of them need and won’t get without the $50. It’s also a win for local farmers,” Cathy Stoldt, a nutrition and wellness coordinator for the Area Office on Aging said.

While the premise of the program has not changed, how people get connected to the program has changed. Seniors used to get produce using paper coupons. But that has now gone digital. The change has created delays and some confusion.

“Now, the coupons are no longer paper, they are on a plastic credit card or in a QR code in a phone and we know that is not always easy for seniors to navigate. We’ve had a few hiccups. We can appreciate everyone’s patience,” Laurie Skowronski with Strain Farm Market said.

At Strain’s Farm Market in Toledo, they are working to ensure customers are connected to the program and getting their benefits.

“We’ve set up a computer, so, if you don’t have a QR code, you can come in and get registered and we will print out the QR code for you. We have two staff members on hand and the Area Office on Aging has someone here periodically as well,” Strain said. “You can shop right away if you’re not registered and you meet the requirements, we’ll get you registered in 7-10 days, and you can come back for your QR code.”

The program has a significant footprint in the region, helping tens of thousands of seniors.

“In the 10 county region we serve, there are over 22,000 people participating and 80-100 farmers that participate,” Stoldt said. “We’re trying to make it as easy as possible.”

The program usually runs from May until the end of October. Because of the changes, this year it will run through the end of November.

If you are 60 or older, live in Ohio and meet certain income guidelines, you are eligible. For more information, click here.

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