Public Notices
Stay updated on the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging with timely announcements, updates, and public notices for older adults, caregivers, and community partners.
Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program to begin accepting Applications on April 22
The Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program will begin accepting applications next Wednesday, April 22. The application can be submitted at aging.ohio.gov/SFMNP. The application will close on Friday, May 22, at 6:00 pm. Recipients must be 60 or older, earn less than 185% of the federal poverty level, and reapply every year due to federal regulations.
An FAQ to answer general questions can be found on AGE’s website: aging.ohio.gov/SFMNP. For specific questions, applicants can contact their Area Agency on Aging or the Ohio Homegrown Benefits Support Line at (614) 412-1729. Applicants can also contact COAAA (1-800-589-7277) or LifeCare Alliance (614-278-3130) for help completing the application.
Important Information:
The federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds expired September 30, 2025, returning the overall budget for the program to its original levels. As a result, applications are being approved on a first-come, first-served basis. Please apply online as soon as possible to obtain their benefit.
If accepted, you can use your benefit at authorized markets from May 15 to November 30. A list of participating farmers' markets can be found at the Vendor Directory. After the November 30 redemption deadline, any unspent benefits will expire.
If you participated in 2025 and have your benefits card, it will automatically be refilled with the $50 benefit on May 15 after you reapply. If you are using the Homegrown app, the $50 benefit will automatically be loaded to your account on May 15. You must reapply annually.
Physical cards can be requested at the time of application ONLY. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Please keep your physical benefit card as it can be reused and reloaded if the recipient is approved in future years. If you have a card at the time of application, you can enter the number into the application to expedite the distribution of benefits. Recipients can also request a QR to use in lieu of their benefits card by contacting LifeCare Alliance at 614-278-3130.
Farmer/Market Manager interested in becoming Authorized, please contact Ohio Farmers Market Network at https://ohiofarmersmarketnetwork.org/.
Public Hearing Notice 2027-2030 Strategic Area Plan
COAAA will host a public hearing on the 2027-2030 Strategic Area Plan on Friday, May 8, from 10:00 to 11:30 am, virtually in accordance with COAAA's virtual meeting policy. The hearing will provide an overview of the COAAA's 2027-2030 Strategic Area Plan and requests for Older Americans Act Title III direct service waivers. Waivers proposed are for specific services that can be furnished in a cost-effective and consistent manner throughout the eight counties and can be made available by COAAA without the potential for a conflict of interest.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend. Please contact Sean Bartlett at
sbartlett@coaaa.org to request the meeting link.The waiver request documents may be reviewed at the COAAA office or by written/email request. Written comments will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026. Mail written comments to Sean Bartlett, Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, 3776 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43207, or email sbartlett@coaaa.org. For further information, please contact Sean Bartlett at
sbartlett@coaaa.org.COAAA Seeking Dedicated Individuals to Join its Advisory Council
Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA) is looking for dedicated individuals to join its Advisory Council. If you’re passionate about the well-being of older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers in the community, COAAA welcomes you to help shape the future of aging in Central Ohio. COAAA invites older adults age 60 and over, caregivers, and others who share an interest in aging in place and access to quality healthcare. As an Advisory Council member, you will be an advocate, provide vital input, influence change, and will represent your community. Learn more. COAAA Advisory Council Membership Application. Applications should be emailed to Grant Ames at
games@coaaa.org.Shallow Subsidy Pilot Program
The Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA) and The Ohio State University’s College of Social Work’s Age-Friendly Innovation Center (AFIC) launched the Shallow Subsidy Pilot Program (SSPP) in July 2024, to promote housing security for low-income older adult renters. The SSPP is one of the first programs in the United States to use a random control trial, the gold standard for program evaluation, to examine the impact of shallow rental subsidies on older adults. Learn more about the program in our recent news release and learn about the program's findings in our infographics one-pager.
Home Energy Assistance Program
Assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is available to help income-eligible older Ohioans with their home energy bills.
COAAA Housing Assistance Program
The Housing Assistance Program through COAAA is an emergency rent and utility assistance program for individuals who are 60 and older. Individuals must meet certain eligibility criteria to qualify. Learn more in COAAA's Housing Assistance Programs Brief.