Farmers Market Nutrition Program

Wed, 06/02/2010 - 20:29 — Web Editor

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Healthy food and economic development in one

Market in Jackson, Mississippi. Photo by Natalie Maynor.

Farmers' markets are an important rural economic development tool to increase local economic activity while providing a venue for regular, vibrant community interactions. They also increase availability of fresh, locally-produced foods and often boost sales at local grocery stores.

The Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) awards grants to states, territories and tribal governments to provide coupons for fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits and vegetables to low-income and under-served women, children and senior citizens. The program also seeks to expand the awareness, use of and sales at farmers' markets.

There are two branches of this program - Senior FMNP and the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) FMNP.

How Does It Work?

Portland, Oregon market. Photo by Dieselboi.

Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) awards grants to state agencies, territories, and tribal governments to provide low-income seniors with coupons that can be used to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and other eligible foods at farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs. The majority of the grant funds must be used to support the costs of the foods that are provided under the SFMNP; State agencies may use up to 10 percent of their grants to support administrative costs for the program.

In 2009, over 809,000 people received FMNP benefits. The program had $20.3 million in that same fiscal year.

A list of Senior FMNP state agency contacts can be found here.

Overland Park market. Photo by Franklin B Thompson.
WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (WIC FMNP) awards grants to states, territories and tribal governments, who give eligible WIC participants coupons in addition to their regular WIC benefits to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and other eligible foods from farmers, farmers' markets or roadside stands. The farmers, farmers’ markets or roadside stands then submit the coupons to the bank or State agency for reimbursement.

In 2008, 2.3 million WIC participants nationwide received FMNP benefits. The program had $19.8 million in that same fiscal year.

Only farmers, farmers’ markets, and roadside stands authorized by the State agency may accept and redeem FMNP coupons, and states are responsible for certifying farmers' markets. Individuals who only sell produce grown by someone else, such as wholesale distributors, cannot be authorized to participate in FMNP. The FMNP contact person for each State agency can be found here.

Eligibility

Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) - Low-income seniors, generally defined as individuals who are at least 60 years old and who have household incomes of less than 185% of the federal poverty income guidelines, are eligible to participate. Some State agencies accept proof of participation or enrollment in another program for low-income seniors, such as the Commodity Supplemental Food Program or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, for SFMNP eligibility.
WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (WIC FMNP) - Women, infants (over 4 months old) and children that have been certified to receive regular WIC benefits or who are on a waiting list for WIC are eligible to participate in the FMNP.

Entrepreneurship Opportunities

Farmers' markets not only increase food access and knowledge about farming, but also provide a place for communities to come together. While the market itself would be owned by the community, it provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to sharpen their business skills.
Entrepreneurial farmers selling vegetables directly to consumers will have more opportunities if elderly people with limited incomes are also able to purchase from local farmers.
Other types of entrepreneurial opportunities such as food delivery services, crafts, artisans and bakers can collaborate with farmers markets, making a vibrant market place. Because Senior and WIC FMNP can only be used at farmers' markets, entrepreneurs will only benefit if a market exists or is established.