Farmers' Market Nutrition Program - DHS 4724

Illinois WIC and Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)

A Guide for Participants and Farmers

What is the WIC and Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)?

The purpose of the FMNP is to provide fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs from farmers' markets to nutritionally at-risk women, children and seniors, while at the same time expanding the awareness and use of farmers' markets through increased sales.

In Illinois, the FMNP operates from July 1st to October 31st.

Who can participate in FMNP?

Pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and children ages 1-5 on the WIC Program may receive benefits. Eligible seniors are 60+ years old and who have household incomes of not more than 185 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines.

FMNP benefits farmers

• Supports local agriculture by increasing sales at farmers' markets.
• Promotes growth of family farms by creating a market for fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Encourages growth of more kinds of fruits and veggies.

FMNP benefits participants

• Provides participants with a chance to improve their health by eating tasty and nutritious fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Introduces participants to farmers' markets and teaches them to select and prepare many different kinds of locally grown produce.

How do you use your FMNP coupons?

• Coupons can be used from July 1st through October 31st.
• Not all vendors take FMNP coupons. Look for signs showing which stands accept FMNP coupons.
• For those on WIC, if you are unable to get to the market your proxy may use the FMNP coupons. Please contact your agency to check on your proxy status.
• Lost or stolen FMNP coupons cannot be replaced.
• No change can be given so be sure to use the full amount of your coupons.
• If you go over the amount you must pay the difference.
• Sales tax cannot be charged or be a part of the price you pay for your FMNP produce.
• Only allowed foods may be purchased with your FMNP coupons.

Eligible foods for purchase with FMNP coupons include:

Fresh Vegetables

Fresh Fruits

Items Not Allowed

For more information:

Call or visit your Illinois Department of Human Services' Family Community Resource Center (FCRC).

If you have questions about any Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) program, call or visit your FCRC. We will answer your questions. If you do not know where your FCRC is or if you are unable to go there, you may call the automated helpline 24 hours a day at:
1-800-843-6154
1-888-261-2713 (NexTalk/TTY)

You may speak to a representative between:
8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Monday - Friday (except state holidays)

For answers to your questions, you may also write:

Illinois Department of Human Services
Bureau of Customer and Provider Assistance
100 South Grand Avenue East
Springfield, Illinois 62762

Visit our web site at: www.dhs.state.il.us

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Programs, activities and employment opportunities in the Illinois Department of Human Services are open and accessible to any individual or group without regard to age, sex, race, sexual orientation, disability, ethnic origin or religion. The department is an equal opportunity employer and practices affirmative action and reasonable accommodation programs.

DHS 4724 (N-07-06) Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois.

70,000 copies P.O.# 0709