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Healthy People, Vibrant Farms, and Food-Secure Communities
The WIC and Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs (FMNP) enhance food security for low-income families and seniors and strengthen local farmers’ markets!

The NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets administers FMNP. The Department collaborates with the Farmers Market Federation of New York, the NYS Department of Health, the NYS Office for the Aging, and Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) in administering the program.

 

Learn About What We Do

The purpose of the FMNP programs is to promote local farmers by expanding their sales at farmers' markets and farm stands, and to foster healthy communities though the consumption of locally grown, fresh fruits and vegetables.

With FMNP partners, CCE strives to:

  • Enhance the health of nutritionally at-risk New Yorkers
  • Improve nutrition knowledge and food skills
  • Promote use of farmers' markets by WIC families and low-income seniors
  • Support New York farmers selling fresh produce at farmers' markets
  • Promote farmers' markets for sustainable and vibrant communities

The Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) provides pregnant or nursing mothers, infants and children enrolled in the NYS Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), with coupons worth $25 total to buy produce at participating NYS farmers’ markets and farm stands.

  • Am I eligible?  You must be enrolled in the WIC program in order to be eligible to receive FMNP coupons. Fill out the WIC Prescreening Tool to find out if you might be eligible for WIC.
  • What Next? To find a local WIC agency convenient for you, visit the NYS WIC website or call the Growing Up Healthy Hotline at 1-800-522-5006.
  • Where can I use my FMNP coupons? Visit NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets to find a market near you. Not all markets accept FMNP coupons. Under the name, address, and operating hours of each farmers market, look for "FMNP Accepted" to determine which markets accept FMNP coupons. At the market, look for signs that say, “We Gladly Accept NYS FMNP Checks.”

The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides low-income seniors with coupons worth $25 total to buy produce at NYS farmers’ markets and farm stands.

  • Am I eligible? Eligibility is based on age and income; participants must be 60 years or older and have an income less than or equal to 185% of the federal poverty level.
  • What Next? Senior citizens interested in FMNP should contact their local Office for the Aging or call the New York State Senior Hotline at 1-800-342-9871.
  • Where can I use my FMNP coupons? Visit NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets to find a market near you. Not all markets accept FMNP coupons. Under the name, address, and operating hours of each farmers market, look for "FMNP Accepted" to determine which markets accept FMNP coupons. At the market, look for signs that say, “We Gladly Accept NYS FMNP Coupons.”

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) issues electronic benefits that can be used like cash to purchase food. SNAP helps low-income working people, senior citizens, the disabled and others feed their families. Eligibility and benefit levels are based on household size, income and other factors.

  • SNAP/EBT and Other Benefits
  • Find out if you are eligible for SNAP benefits (formerly food stamps). It’s quick, easy and confidential

Resources for Consumers, CCE Educators, and Farmers & Market Managers

Content on this site is created and reviewed by Cornell Division of Nutritional Sciences Food and Nutrition Education in Communities team with Cornell Cooperative Extension partners