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Healthy People, Vibrant Farms, and Food-Secure Communities
The Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) goals are to enhance the food security of low-income families and seniors, and to 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 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

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 and farm stands.

  • Am I eligible for WIC FMNP?  You must be enrolled in the WIC program in order to be eligible to receive WIC 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 WIC FMNP or SFMNP 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 couponss. Once at the market, look for vendors that display the sign, “We Gladly Accept NYS FMNP Checks.”

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

  • Am I 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.
  • What Next? Senior citizens interested in the SFMNP 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 WIC FMNP or SFMNP couponss? Visit NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets to find a market near you. Not all markets accept FMNP couponss. Under the name, address, and operating hours of each farmers market, look for "FMNP Accepted" to determine which markets accept FMNP coupons. Once at the market, look for vendors that display the sign, “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

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The Foundation
The mission of the New York Farm Bureau Foundation for Agricultural Education, Inc. is to inform and educate all New Yorkers regarding agriculture, and to increase understanding between the farm and non-farm public. Their goal is to raise the level of public awareness and understanding about agriculture, which will serve to alleviate misunderstandings that can manifest themselves in negative ways and cause unnecessary upheaval within the food system, superfluous regulations, excess costs, and a breakdown within the infrastructure of our communities and state. This understanding will allow the general public to make “informed” choices.
Check out their monthly Ag Fact Calendar for interesting facts of the week and featured item each month.

Content on this site is created and reviewed by Cornell Division of Nutritional Sciences Food and Nutrition Education in Communities team led by Joan Paddock with Cooperative Extension partners, including staff from Wayne County CCE and Yvonne Bravo from CCE NYC