National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture

Farmers Market Nutrition Programs

Program Description

The Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (FMNPs) provide a direct tie between nutrition and production agriculture by providing seniors (Senior FMNP) and nutritionally at risk women and children (WIC FMNP) the opportunity to buy fresh local produce directly from farmers. The programs are intended to increase the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables by expanding or aiding in the development of farmers markets, farm stands and CSAs. The FMNPs provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs to low-income women, children and the elderly while providing much needed income to thousands of small family farmers who in turn spend those dollars in their local communities; thus promoting local economic development.

Program Administration

The FMNPs are administered by the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (USDA, FNS). At the state level, they are administered through partnerships of state farmers market authorities, State Departments of Agriculture, State Departments of Health, State Departments of Aging Services and Cooperative Extension Systems.

How the Program is Funded

Senior FMNP: The Senior FMNP has mandatory funding. The 2002 Farm Bill funded the program at $15 million/year for the life of the Bill.

Using the Program

WIC FMNP participants: Regular WIC participants should contact the local WIC agency within the county health department.

Seniors FMNP: Seniors should contact the local area agency on aging (this varies from state to state) to find where and how to receive the SFMNP benefits.

Farmers: Farmers can apply through their state FMNP to become registered as a provider. Farmers must attend face-to-face training that explains the program rules. They must sign an agreement stating they have attended such training and understand and agree to abide by the program rules. They agree to be monitored. They receive an individual farmer identifier stamp that is used to mark each FMNP check/voucher they receive.

Timeline for Application

WIC and Senior FMNP Recipients: Generally, FMNP benefits are issued to recipients beginning in May and continue until funds are exhausted — usually by August.

Farmers: This varies by state. Check with your state FMNP office to find out when and where the trainings are. WIC FMNP state contacts: http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/Contacts/farm.HTM Senior FMNP state contacts: http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/SeniorFMNP/SFMNPcontacts.htm

Criteria for Eligibility

WIC: Individuals participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) or on the waiting list are eligible to receive benefits provided through the WIC FMNP.

Seniors: At present, eligibility for the Seniors FMNP is limited to those individuals age 60 and over and whose incomes are no more than 185% of the federal poverty guideline unless a state can justify serving individuals younger or with higher incomes. This is subject to change with the implementation of regulations.

Farmers: A farmer has to be a local producer to use this program. The details vary by state.

Who to Contact

Don Wambles, President, National Association of Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs Phone (334) 242-2618, Email: dwambles@fma.state.al.us

Phil Blalock, Executive Director, National Association of Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs Phone 703-837-9309, Email: nafmnp@comcast.net

Resources on the Internet

The National Association of Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs, www.nafmnp.org

USDA
WIC FMNP - http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/FMNP/FMNPfaqs.htm