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
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.
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.
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.
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Learn to manage the nutritional aspects of diseases and chronic conditions.
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Set personal wellness goals.
Sessions are by appointment only. Register online or contact your local 50+ Center to schedule your session today! View the flier 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:
- Starting May 19, 2025, visit mda.maryland.gov to apply.
For paper or translated applications, contact Danielle Clifford-Earles, Nutrition Program Manager, at 410-313-3506.
Senior Farmers' Market FAQs
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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Participants in SFMNP receive a card with $50 to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers markets.
Benefits can be used between June 1 and November 30. Funds do not rollover, so please use all funding you receive before November 30.
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.
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.
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.
