The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce along with other state partners collaborate for the Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (FMNP). The Women, Infants and Children Farmers Market Nutrition Program (WIC FMNP) and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) bridge together farmers with consumers and income-eligible residents.

Both the WIC FMNP and the SFMNP are unique programs funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and designed to provide more access to locally grown fruits and vegetables for income eligible senior citizens in certain areas of Mississippi and to promote the purchase of Mississippi grown fruits and vegetables from farmers at local farmers markets throughout Mississippi.

Both programs begin in June with the issuance of FMNP benefits to eligible recipients. The benefits are valid for use at authorized farmers markets through October or as long as program funds are available.

WHAT IS THE WIC FMNP AND SENIOR FMNP?

The programs have two goals:

• To provide a one-time benefit to participants for the Women, Infants and Childrens (WIC) program and income-eligible seniors to increase access to fresh fruit and vegetables in Mississippi; and
• To expand the use and awareness of farmers markets.

HOW DO THE FMNP PROGRAMS WORK?

• Participants of the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program can receive at health centers or clinics a one-time benefit which may be redeemed at authorized farmers markets.
• Participants of the Senior FMNP are required to be above the age of 60 and based on household income may receive a one-time benefit to be redeemed at authorized farmers markets. Senior FMNP benefits may be received by clicking the button at the top of this page:
• WIC FMNP and Senior FMNP recipients have until October to redeem their benefits at an authorized farmers market or farmstand location.

AFTER RECEIVING THE FMNP CARD OR FMNP BENEFITS:

• STEP 1
  KNOW WHEN AND WHERE TO GO
  Participants should refer to the participating farmers markets list issued along with the FMNP card or benefits, or visit Farmers Markets in MS for a list of markets. Select WIC or Senior for the nearest authorized farmers market.
• STEP 2
  GET TO THE MARKET EARLY AND LOOK FOR THIS SIGN
  
  Visit the farmers market early to get the best selection. Most available produce can be found when the market opens. The sign will indicate which farmers accept FMNP benefits.
• STEP 3
  AFTER SELECTING YOUR FRESH FRUITS, VEGETABLES, AND/OR HERBS
  The authorized farmer will open their Homegrown Benefits app to scan your QR code. If scanning does not work, the farmer can enter the code under the picture of the QR code. The farmer will show the total cost for the items the participant is purchasing, and the participant should make sure the amount displayed is accurate. The transaction is complete when the amount is confirmed in the farmers app.

Note:  If the participant received an FMNP card, the card should be kept after the season because it can be reloaded for the next program year.

WHAT CAN BE PURCHASED WITH WIC FMNP AND SENIOR FMNP CARDS?

Some of the items listed below may not be available for purchase at your market:

• FRUITS – apples, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupes, figs, muscadines, peaches, pears, satsumas, strawberries, watermelons
• VEGETABLES – beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, greens (all varieties), kale, lettuce, mushrooms, okra, onions, peas, peppers, potatoes (all varieties), pumpkins, radishes, rutabagas, spinach, squash, tomatoes, turnips
• HONEY (Senior FMNP)
• HERBS

WIC FMNP and SFMNP cards may not be used to purchase pecans, peanuts, juices, syrups (sorghum or maple), cider, nuts and seeds, eggs, cheese, honey (WIC), meat and seafood.

How to Participate as a Farmer:

The criteria to participate in the FMNP as a participating farmer requires the farmer to be a bona fide grower and grow and harvest the produce he/she intends to sell.  Certification is a two-step process. First, growers must attend a training session as coordinated by the FMNP coordinator or receive training from farmers market managers to understand the requirements of the program. Second, growers must complete the FMNP Farmer Application and Agreement (PDF) and submit a crop plan which identifies what fruits and vegetables they intend to grow and sell at participating farmers markets. Once a year, a staff member of MDAC or a market manager may visit the grower to ensure compliance with program requirements.

Where Can I Get More Information?

Additional information about the Mississippi FMNP initiative is available from:
Purvie Green
Purvie@mdac.ms.gov
FMNP Program Coordinator
Mississippi Department of Agriculture & Commerce
P.O. Box 1609
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 576-FMNP (3667)