WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program

The WIC farmers’ market nutrition program (FMNP) was established by Congress in 1992 in order to expand the use and awareness of farmers’ markets, and provide locally grown, nutritious, fresh fruits and vegetables from farmers to women, infants, and children who are nutritionally at risk.  The FMNP currently operates in 35 states, Washington, D.C., four Indian tribal organizations, and one territory.  Under the FMNP, WIC participants are provided with a limited promotional and educational benefit to encourage a change in their eating and shopping behavior.  In 2000, more than 2000 farmers’ markets; 13,000 farmers; and 1.9 million women, infants, and children benefited from the FMNP.

One hundred percent of the food funds budgeted for the FMNP go into farmers’ pockets.  In 2000, farmers earned in excess of $17.6 million in direct sales from FMNP coupons.  Two-thirds of the WIC participants said they continue to shop with the farmers after their FMNP benefits are expended.

USDA provides grants to assist states with up to 70 percent of the cost to implement the FMNP.  The success of the FMNP has encouraged additional state departments of agriculture and/or departments of health to seek federal funding to implement the FMNP.  Moreover, states that already have FMNP grants would like to expand their programs to additional farmers’ markets.

FMNP has proven to be a highly cost-effective means to stimulate production of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables and encourage the growth of farmers’ markets.  These farmers’ markets provide an important outlet for local farmers while enhancing communities and providing consumers a wider variety of choices and greater access to local farm production.

The FMNP is an outstanding investment for agriculture and the nation and should be supported.  Expansion of the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program to additional states and farmers’ markets should also be strongly supported.