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
Potted Plants/Herb Plants
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
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
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than
English.
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 ( TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
DHS 4724 (R-09-22) Farmers' Market Nutrition Program Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois. 20,000 Copies P.O.#23-0443
