The following information is excerpted from the “WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program” at the U.S. Department of Agriculture website, http://www.fns.usda.gov/fmnp.
WHAT IS THE WIC FARMERS’ MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM?
The WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is federally funded and linked directly to WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. (WIC is administered by the Connecticut State Department of Public Health and provides free supplemental foods, health care referrals and nutrition education to low-income women, infants and children.) The WIC FMNP is administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture and has two basic goals:
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
HOW DOES THE PROGRAM OPERATE?
WIC FMNP coupons are issued to eligible families by their local WIC agency. FMNP coupons can only be used at authorized farmers’ markets and only for fresh fruits, vegetables, and cut herbs from state certified farmers’ market vendors. Between July and October, WIC recipients receive $15 in coupons to buy fruits and vegetables at local farmers’ markets. Nutrition education is provided to FMNP recipients by the local WIC agency to encourage them to improve and expand their diets by adding fresh fruits and vegetables and to advise them in preparing the foods that are bought with their FMNP coupons. A list of authorized FMNP Locations can be viewed here.
HOW TO APPLY:
Coupons are issued to WIC participants. For further information contact your local WIC office.
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SOURCES: U.S. Department of Agriculture; Connecticut Department of Agriculture; Connecticut Department of Public Health
PREPARED BY: 211/jm
CONTENT LAST MODIFIED: April2024