FMNP Farmers and Market Managers | Division of Nutritional Sciences

Through county-based Extension staff, CCE provides outreach for the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program statewide. Staff provide educational programming to help WIC participants and low-income seniors select, store, and prepare fresh produce from the farmers’ market. FMNP Outreach also focuses on developing tools for CCE educators. Tools increase educators’ capacity to serve as resources to nutrition assistance program participants, farmers, market managers, and community agencies involved in FMNP.

FMNP Mission

The purpose of the program 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

WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)

The WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (WFMNP) provides pregnant or nursing mothers, infants and children enrolled in the NYS Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (called WIC), with coupons worth $4 each to buy produce at NYS farmers’ markets, farm stands, and mobile markets.

Who is eligible for WIC FMNP? Consumers must be enrolled in the WIC program in order to be eligible to receive WIC FMNP checks. The WIC Prescreening Tool helps identify who might be eligible for WIC.
Farmers’ markets, farm stands, and mobile markets must enroll if farmers at the market location wish to accept WIC FMNP or Senior FMNP. There is no fee to participate, but the market must meet eligibility requirements and sign up annually. See the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets website for more information.
For more information about the WIC program, visit the NYS WIC website or call the Growing Up Healthy Hotline at 1-800-522-5006.

Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides low-income seniors with coupons worth $4 each to buy produce at farmers’ markets.

Who is eligible for SFMNP? 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.
Farmers’ markets, farm stands, and mobile markets must enroll if farmers at the market location wish to accept SFMNP or WIC FMNP. There is no fee to participate, but the market must meet eligibility requirements and sign up annually. See the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets website for more information.
For more information about SFMNP and senior programs contact your local Office for the Aging or call the New York State Senior Hotline at 1-800-342-9871.

FMNP Market Manager Guidelines for COVID-19

Please note: The webinar above was prepared in August 2020. At this time, the state has determined that any new COVID-19 guidelines will be administered at the county level. Please check with your city or county health department for any new guidelines, such as mask mandates and social distancing, as most health departments are looking at CDC guidelines to determine their decisions. Thank you for always doing your best to keep your communities healthy and safe.

Other Helpful Links