WIC/Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program?
The Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) provides WIC participants with coupons that can be used to purchase locally grown, fresh Florida fruits and vegetables. This produce can be purchased at authorized farmers' markets from April 1 to July 31.
- What is a farmers' market?
A farmers' market is an association of farmers who assemble for the purpose of selling their produce directly to consumers.
- Who qualifies for FMNP?
Pregnant, postpartum or breast-feeding women and children between the ages of 1 and 5 who are enrolled in the WIC program.
- What will I receive if I qualify for the FMNP?
You will receive FMNP coupons from the WIC clinic in which you are enrolled. You will also receive information about the nutritional importance of fresh fruits and vegetables, and the list of participating farmers' markets in your area.
- How do I use my FMNP coupons?
Go to the authorized farmers' market in your area. Look for farmers at the market displaying this sign stating "We Gladly Accept FMNP Coupons Here." Choose from the locally grown FMNP-approved produce available. Show the farmer your WIC ID card. Sign your name on the coupon and give the coupon to the farmer.
- What types of fruits and vegetables can I purchase with my FMNP coupons?
Only these authorized fresh fruits and vegetables may be purchased with FMNP coupons: apples, asparagus, avocados, bananas, beans, berries, broccoli, cabbage, carambola, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chinese cabbage, collards, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, endive/escarole, figs, grapefruit, grapes, green onion/leeks, greens, guavas, kale, kumquats, lemons, lettuce, limes, mangos, melons, mushrooms, okra, onions, oranges, papaya, passion fruit, peaches, peas, peppers, pineapple, potatoes, pumpkins, radishes, rhubarb, rutabagas, satsumas, spinach, squash, strawberries, tangerines, tomatoes, zucchini.
- Which counties have farmers’ markets that participate in the FMNP?
Alachua, Bay, Escambia, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Holmes, Jackson, Leon, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, St. Johns, Suwannee, Sumter, Union, Walton, Washington.
- What are the health benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables?
Fresh fruits and vegetables are high in many important vitamins and minerals. Some of these can also be a rich source of fiber in your diet. Fruits and vegetables high in vitamin (like cantaloupe, collards, mangos, sweet potatoes, carrots, lettuce, spinach and squash) can give you and your little one more energy. Fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin C (like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, grapefruit, oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, cantaloupe, collards, mangos, spinach and tomatoes) can lower your chances of getting cancer or heart disease. Fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber (like blackberries, carrots, oranges, sweet potatoes, spinach, blueberries, grapefruit, strawberries, cooked beans and peas) can add color, flavor and variety to your diet.
- Are there restrictions on how I can use my FMNP coupons?
Yes, there are restrictions. You must use your FMNP coupons to buy only locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. FMNP coupons may not be used to purchase baked goods, seafood, or processed foods such as jams, honey, apple cider, fruit juices, pickles, or cane syrup. Coupons are only issued in $4 amounts. You will not receive any change back if your purchase is less than $4. Ask the farmer if you can receive additional produce to make up the difference.
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