Description

	Provides participants of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) with coupons to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs from farmers, at farmers' markets, or roadside stands that have been approved by a State agency to accept FMNP coupons.
	Works to expand the sales and to promote the awareness and use of local farmers’ markets.
	Provides participants with FMNP coupons in addition to their WIC checks.
	Operates in areas of 37 States, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and five Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs).

Background

	The program was established by Congress in 1992; operated as a pilot program for 3 years prior to that time.
	FMNP recipients’ Federal food benefit may not be less than $10 and no more than $30 per year, per recipient, but State agencies may supplement the benefit level.
	The program is administered by the Food and Nutrition Service through cash grants to State agencies. It is operated by State agencies such as State Agriculture Departments or Health Departments or ITOs.

Participants

	Almost 2.3 million WIC participants received FMNP benefits in FY 2007.
	Women, infants older than 4 months of age and children certified to receive WIC program benefits or who are on a waiting list for WIC certification. State agencies may serve some or all of these categories.

Budget

$19.8 million in FY 2007; $19.8 million in FY 2008.

Contact Information

For complete information, visit www.fns.usda.gov/wic/FMNP/FMNPfaqs.htm  or contact the your State agency that administers the FMNP. View Agency listings at www.fns.usda.gov/wic, select “State Contacts.” WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP).

Last modified: January 2009