Farmers’ Market Program

During the summer and early fall, coupons for fresh Pennsylvania grown fruits and vegetables are issued to WIC participants who qualify for the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP). Last year, over 156,000 coupons for fresh produce were issued by MFHS. The program is jointly sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

You must be a Pennsylvania WIC participant to qualify for the program. Each year the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture determines which categories of WIC participants will be eligible.  Check with your WIC staff to see if you or your children are eligible this year. Currently, eligible WIC participants would receive $20.00 in four checks of $5.00 each.

Locations

MFHS keeps a PDF list of the participating farmers in your area available online and in our centers. Lists are divided by county.

New for 2017 – Children age 1 are now eligible for the program. Please talk to your WIC staff to learn more.

The Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture has announced the launch of a revised FMNP website. The website address was changed to make it easier to remember. The website is now also accessible on mobile devises and can even use the location you are in to show the closest markets to you. The new website address is pafmnp.com.

How do I use the FMNP checks?

• Your WIC Center will provide you with the current market listing. FMNP checks can be used in any Pennsylvania county.
• At the market, look for a sign showing which farmers accept the FMNP checks.
• Select fruits and vegetables you wish to purchase. Produce must be “Grown or Growable: in Pennsylvania”. Absolutely no citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit) and no tropical fruit (bananas, pineapples, mangoes, etc.) Processed foods such as jams, honey, cider, and baked goods are not allowed with FMNP checks.
• Ask the farmer – they will know which of the produce is eligible.

Information For Farmers

Call the PA Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program at 1-800-468-2433 or 717-772-2693 or write to: Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, Bureau of Food Distribution, 2301 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9408.

For more in-depth information on the Farmers’ Market nationally go to one of these sites:
www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/
www.fns.usda.gov/wic/fmnp/fmnpfaqs.htm