WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)

Type: Nutrition assistance

Max award: Varies by State, payments range from $10-$30 per person each year

Big idea: To provide locally grown fruits and vegetables through farmers' markets to WIC participants, and to expand the awareness and use of farmers' markets.

Who can apply: Women, infants (over 4 months old) and children (under five years old) who have been certified to receive WIC program benefits or who are on a waiting list for WIC certification are eligible. State agencies may serve some or all of these categories.

Possibilities: Nutrition education is provided to FMNP recipients by the State agency, often through an arrangement with the local WIC agency. Other program partners may provide nutrition education and/or educational information to FMNP recipients. For example, Cooperative Extension Programs, local chefs, farmers or farmers' markets associations, and various other non-profit or for-profit organizations may provide nutrition education to FMNP recipients. These educational arrangements help to encourage FMNP recipients to improve and expand their diets by adding fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as educate them on how to select, store and prepare the fresh fruits and vegetables they buy with their FMNP coupons.

Real example: A variety of fresh, unprepared locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs may be purchased with FMNP coupons.

Get more information: For more program information click here, and to apply click here (the program is generally operated through State departments of agriculture or health and is currently in 46 states, territories, and Indian Tribal Organizations).