DATE: | May 20, 1996 |
MEMO CODE: | FMNP Final Policy Memorandum: #96-2 |
SUBJECT: | WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) Recipient/Farmers Survey and FMNP Recipient Report |
TO: | Regional Directors Supplemental Food Programs All Regions |
This is to provide you with clarification regarding the recipient/farmer surveys and the FNS-203, FMNP Recipient Report.
Section 17(m)(8) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, as amended, specifies that certain information on the effects of the FMNP on the change in consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables by recipients and effects of the FMNP on the use of farmers' markets must be reported annually only if available. Attached are two surveys developed by the National Association of Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs (NAFMNP) that can be used to collect this information. If the information is available, state agencies have the option to submit the farmer data every 2 years instead of yearly. Since we just collected farmer information for fiscal year 1996, state agencies can skip collection of farmer data for fiscal year 1997. We hope all state agencies continue to choose to use the forms developed by the NAFMNP so that we will have a consistent database.
Also, to ease the administrative burden on state agencies in completing the FNS-203, state agencies do not have to report recipient data by month. State agencies may simply report the total number under each category. We are considering revising the FNS-203 to address concerns brought to our attention about the form. However, due to current time frames we will not be able to do so before the fiscal year 1996 reporting period.
STANLEY C. GARNETT
Director
Supplemental Food Programs Division