State of Illinois
Department of Human Services
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 women, children and seniors at nutritional risk.
- Expand awareness and use of farmers' markets through increased sales.
In Illinois, the FMNP operates during the summer season.
Who can participate in FMNP?
- Eligible WIC Program Participants - Pregnant, Postpartum, Breastfeeding women, and children 1-5 years of age.
- Eligible seniors who 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, vegetables and herbs.
- Encourages growth of more varieties of fruits and vegetables.
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 checks?
- Checks can be used during the summer season.
- Not all vendors take FMNP checks. Look for signs showing which stands accept FMNP checks.
- If you are unable to get to the market your proxy may use the FMNP checks. Please contact your agency to check on your proxy status.
- Lost or stolen FMNP checks cannot be replaced.
- No change can be given so be sure to use the full amount of your checks.
- 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 eligible foods may be purchased with your FMNP checks.
Eligible foods for purchase with FMNP checks include:
Fresh Vegetables
Artichokes
Asparagus
Beans (all fresh varieties)
Beets
Bok Choy
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celeriac
Celery
Corn
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Fennel
Garlic
Greens
Herbs (edible)
Horseradish
Kale
Kohlrabi
Leeks
Lettuce
Mushrooms
Okra
Onions
Parsley Root
Parsnip
Peas
Peppers
Potatoes (all varieties)
Pumpkins (edible)
Radishes
Rhubarb
Rutabagas
Scallions
Shallots
Spinach
Sprouts
Squash
Sunchokes
Swiss Chard
Tomatoes
Turnips
Tomatillos
Watercress
Zucchini
Fresh Fruits
Apples
Apricots
Berries
Cantaloupe
Cherries
Currants
Grapes
Melons
Nectarines
Peaches
Pears
Persimmons
Plums
Rhubarb
Other Items Allowed
Cut Herbs
Honey (Seniors Only)
Items Not Allowed
Popcorn
Nuts
Dried beans/peas
Eggs
Flowers
Ornamental Pumpkins/Gourds/Corn
Any processed food item such as:
Jellies/Jams
Juices/Cider
Canned Vegetables
Baked goods
Fruit pies
For more information contact the Illinois WIC?and Senior Farmers' Market ?Nutrition Program (FMNP):
Monday - Friday during business hours
1-217-782-2166
1-888-261-2713 (NexTalk)
For our office locator, visit our website at:
www.dhs.state.il.us
If you have questions about any Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) programs, you may call the automated helpline 24 hours a day at:
1-800-843-6154
1-866-324-5553 (TTY)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender, identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, martial status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.)
If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov.
Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish).
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
DHS 4724 (R-04-15) Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois.
20,000 copies P.O.# 15-1803
