About

The Office on Aging & Independence offers a variety of nutrition services to promote healthy aging and enhance the quality of life for older adults and adults with disabilities. Our nutrition services are designed to support overall wellness through programs that ensure access to nutritious meals, resources and education. 

Let's Do Lunch

Nutrition Education Classes

Home Delivered Meals

Medically Tailored Meals

Nutrition Consultations

A variety of healthy foods
 

Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

Are you 60 or older and meet income guidelines? You may be eligible to receive funds to use at participating local farmers' markets for fresh, healthy food.

Let’s Do Lunch

Let’s Do Lunch offers older adults the chance to enjoy a nutritious meal while connecting with others at our 50+ Centers. Howard County residents aged 60+ and their spouses are welcome with a voluntary, confidential donation, while those under 60 can participate by purchasing a meal ticket. All meals are thoughtfully planned and approved by a registered dietitian to ensure balanced nutrition. 

Let's Do Lunch logo with a knife and form inside a yellow circle

Nutrition Education Classes

Nutrition classes focus on healthy eating and offer practical tips, meal planning, and cooking demonstrations, empowering individuals to make informed food choices and improve their overall health. There are a variety of classes offered at all of the Howard County 50+ Centers led by Nutrition Specialists and Registered Dietitians.

group of people looking at food and taking notes

Home Delivered Meals

Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland delivers up to two nutritious meals daily, up to five days a week, to homebound individuals, with delivery by volunteers. Each meal meets 1/3 of daily nutritional needs, and participant contributions are based on a sliding scale. The Office on Aging & Independence funds this service for Howard County residents age 60+ and their spouses who qualify.

For more information, contact Maryland Access Point at 410-313-1234. 

Medically Tailored Meals

Medically tailored meals are meals approved by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist that reflect appropriate dietary therapy grounded in evidence-based guidelines. Through Moveable Feast, a nonprofit organization located in Baltimore, home delivered, medically tailored meals are available for eligible Howard County residents.

To be screened for eligibility, contact Maryland Access Point (MAP) of Howard County at 410-313-1234 (voice/relay). 

Nutrition Consultations

For adults, age 60 or older, take advantage of a free personalized nutrition consultation with a registered dietitian at any Howard County 50+ Center. In these personalized, 30-minute sessions, you'll: 

  • Build healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes.

  • Learn to manage the nutritional aspects of diseases and chronic conditions.

  • Set personal wellness goals.

Sessions are by appointment only. Register online(link is external) or contact your local 50+ Center to schedule your session today! View the flier(link is external) to learn more.

Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

Looking for fresh, healthy food on a limited income? The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) helps eligible seniors purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs at participating local farmers' markets. Supplies are limited, so apply early!

Program Goals:

  • Improve access to fresh, local produce for low-income seniors
  • Support local farmers and agriculture
  • Expand farmers’ markets and similar programs

Eligibility:

  • Older adults aged 60+
  • Current resident of Howard County
  • Household income at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines

How to Apply:

For paper or translated applications, contact Danielle Clifford-Earles, Nutrition Program Manager, at 410-313-3506.

Senior Farmers' Market FAQs

Title

Who is eligible for this program?

Content

SFMNP is open to Howard County residents, age 60+, that meet income requirements determined by your household size.

185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines:

Household Size

Annual

Monthly

Twice Monthly

Bi-Weekly

Weekly

1

$28,953

$2,413

$1,207

$1,114

$557

2

$39,128

$3,261

$1,631

$1,505

$753

3

$49,303

$4,109

$2,055

$1,897

$949

4

$59,478

$4,957

$2,479

$2,288

$1,144

5

$69,653

$5,805

$2,903

$2,679

$1,340

 

Title

Will everyone who applies receive benefits?

Content

Unfortunately, no, quantities are limited. Apply early and online for the best opportunity to be awarded benefits. If you meet all eligibility criteria and benefits have been exhausted, we still encourage you to add your name to the wait list.

Title

What is the purpose of SFMNP?

Content

The purposes of the Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program are to provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey through farmers’ markets, roadside stands and CSA programs to low-income seniors; and increase the consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding, developing, or aiding in the development and expansion of domestic farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and CSA programs.

Title

I need assistance, can I have proxy help with my application?

Content

Yes, but with limitations. If you are an eligible participant, you can be a proxy for one additional person other than yourself. If you are not an eligible participant, you can only be a proxy for one person. This is for both registration via the online application and for distribution of benefits.

Title

How do I apply for benefits?

Content

Applying online is the quickest and most convenient way to secure your spot, as spaces are limited. However, if you don’t have access to a computer, need help using online platforms, or prefer to apply in person, you can pick up a paper application at your local 50+ Center and return it to a Nutrition Specialist.

Title

Do you offer paper applications in languages other than English?

Content

Yes, we have applications at each 50+ center in Korean, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Please speak to a Nutrition Specialist for more information.

Title

Where can I use my benefits?

Content

In Maryland, all the 100+ authorized farmers markets throughout the State have at least one farmer who accepts SFMNP.  Nearly 200 farmers are authorized to sell in farmers markets or at their farm stand. To learn more about locations nearest to you, visit the online directory here(link is external).

Title

How will I be issued benefits?

Content

In 2024 the SFMNP transitioned from paper coupons to cards with a QR code. For new participants receiving benefits, the card will be provided. The card will be loaded with funds that can be used at approved vendors at local farmers’ markets and roadside stands. 

If approved, you will be directly contacted about this year's distribution process. 

Title

If I am approved, how much funding would I receive?

Content

Participants in SFMNP receive a card with $50 to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers markets.

Title

When do my benefits expire?

Content

Benefits can be used between June 1 and November 30. Funds do not rollover, so please use all funding you receive before November 30.

Title

I received benefits last year and I still have my card. Should I hold on to it?

Content

Yes! When you apply this year, please indicate that you still have your card. You will be able to add in your card number and if you are approved, the benefits will be reloaded to your card.

Title

I received benefits this year. Should I keep my card after I have used the funds?

Content

Yes! Please keep your card in a safe location so you can use it again next year. Please be advised, having a SFMNP card does not increase your likelihood of receiving benefits in subsequent years.

Title

What foods are available through SFMNP?

Content

A variety of fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey may be purchased with SFMNP benefits. State agencies shall consider “locally grown” to mean produce grown only within State borders but may also include areas in neighboring States adjacent to its borders.

Was this page helpful?
Thank you for your feedback
(optional)

Stay Connected!

Sign up for the County Executive's weekly newsletter and stay up to date on everything Howard County.
 

Zip Code