The Farmers Market Nutrition Program is a federally funded nutrition assistance program administered in our state by the Indiana Department of Health. The program assists low-income seniors and families that receive WIC (Women, Infants and Children) as well as local farmers.
For up-to-date information on WIC and Senior FMNP benefits, authorization of growers, farmers or farm stands or for the required forms.
Application for Senior FMNP opens each spring (once annual income guidelines are updated) through senior serving agencies, such as the local Area(s) on Aging. The senior serving agencies distribute checks June through September to seniors 60-years-old or older with gross household incomes of no more than 185% of the federal poverty income guidelines. Persons with disabilities who are 55-years-old or older AND reside in housing primarily occupied by the elderly AND where congregate nutrition services are provided may also be approved.
The Senior FMNP benefit is $20 with each booklet containing four (4) – $5.00 checks. The checks may be used from early June through mid-October, and they can be spent at a FMNP farmers’ market with farmers who are FMNP approved vendors. The FMNP vendors will have a poster displayed at their tent or booth.
Women (pregnant, post-partum, and breastfeeding), Infants (over 4 months) and Children (ages 1 to 5), who have been certified to receive WIC program benefits are eligible to participate in FMNP and receive FMNP coupons in addition to their regular WIC benefits.
The WIC FMNP benefit is $24 available through the local WIC office. Many WIC offices distribute the benefits directly at the farmers’ market starting in early June through October. The WIC FMNP benefit can be spent at a FMNP farmers’ market with farmers who are FMNP approved vendors. The FMNP vendors will have a poster displayed at their tent or booth. WIC participants may purchase fresh, unprepared locally grown fruits, vegetables, and edible herbs.