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FARMERS MARKET NUTRITION
PROGRAMS
There are two components to
the Farmers Market Nutrition
Programs (FMNPs), the Women,
Infants and Children (WIC) FMNP
and the Senior FMNP. FMNPs
provide a direct tie between
production agriculture and
nutrition by providing seniors
and nutritionally at risk women
and children the opportunity to
buy fresh local produce directly
from farmers.
The Goals of the Farmers Market
Nutrition Programs (FMNPs) are
clear:
To provide fresh, nutritious,
unprepared, locally grown fresh
fruits, vegetables and herbs
from farmers markets and
roadside stands to low-income
seniors and nutritionally at
risk women and children.
To increase domestic consumption
of agricultural commodities by
expanding or aiding in the
expansion of farmers markets,
roadside stands, and community
supported agriculture programs.
To develop or aid in the
development of new and
additional farmers markets,
roadside stands, and community
supported agriculture programs.
The method is simple:
Give low-income seniors, women
and children coupons to redeem
for fresh fruits and vegetables
at local farmers markets and
roadside stands along with
related nutrition education.
They are unique among federal
programs:
In that, the FMNPs encourage
health and agriculture agencies,
communities, farmers, and
recipients to be active partners
in a common effort to support
the local economy and improve
the health of families.
The results are:
Farmers increase their client
base and incomes.
Needy families get nutritious,
Alabama grown fresh fruits and
vegetables.
We all stand to benefit from a
generation of young children who
start out life with good
nutrition and a healthier senior
population.
These programs are examples of
direct marketing in which
everyone benefits.
How To Use Your FMNP Coupons
Choose a farmers market from our
list of redemption sites. All
markets are self -governing. It
is important that you note the
market’s days and hours of
operation and inquire locally
for exact opening and closing
dates. (These dates may or may
not coincide with the valid
dates to redeem FMNP coupons,
April 16 – November 30).
Walk through the market to
compare the variety, quality and
price of the produce items on
display at each farmer’s stand
before deciding what you will
buy.
Use your FMNP coupons to buy
fresh fruits, vegetables and
herbs from farmers who display
the “Farmers Market Nutrition
Program” sign. If you have any
questions about selecting and
preparing fresh produce, please
ask the farmers.
Each coupon is worth $4.00. You
cannot Receive change from a
coupon. If your purchase is less
than the amount of one or more
coupons, the farmer will add
more fruits and vegetables of
your choice to make up the
difference.
You are welcome to use cash at
the market to buy additional
fresh produce.
You cannot use your coupons to
buy non-produce items,
ornamental pumpkins, or gourds.
FMNP coupons cannot be used at a
grocery store or any location
that is not listed on our
redemption site.
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