Two federal programs give people free benefits to spend on fresh, local produce at authorized farmers markets and farm stands. Both are run by state agencies with funding from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)
- Who: women, infants (over 4 months) and children enrolled in WIC, in states and tribes that run the program.
- Benefit: the federal benefit is between $10 and $30 per person per year; some states add more. (Source: USDA FNS.)
- What: fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs from authorized farmers.
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Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)
- Who: low-income adults aged 60 and older (household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines).
- Benefit: between $20 and $50 per person per year under federal rules. (Source: USDA FNS.)
- What: fresh fruits, vegetables, honey and fresh-cut herbs at participating markets, farm stands and CSAs.
How to Apply
Ask your local WIC clinic (for FMNP) or your Area Agency on Aging or state agriculture department (for SFMNP). Benefits are usually handed out in late spring and must be used before the season ends, often by October 31 or November 30.
Find Markets That Take Them
Market profiles on this site show WIC Farmers Market vouchers or Senior Farmers Market vouchers when the market reported it to the USDA directory. Always confirm at the market, as only authorized farmers can accept these benefits.