| WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)
Purpose
The purpose of the WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is to provide a combination of nutrition education, locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables and health care oversight to eligible women and children while simultaneously increasing the awareness, use of and sales at farmers' markets.
The FMNP serves pregnant and breastfeeding women and children (2-5 years old) who are nutritionally at risk.
Background
The WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program was established in July 1992 as Public Law 102-314 to provide resources un the form of fresh, nutritious, unprepared foods (fruits and vegetables) from farmers' markets to WIC participants and to expand the awareness use of and sales at farmers' markets. The Program began in Virginia as a pilot program in 2004.
Benefits
Participants receive four (4) $5.00 food instruments that can be redeemed for fresh fruits, vegetables and fresh cut herbs from locally certified Farmer Vendors at designated Farmer Market sales locations. There is maximum $40.00 benefit level per family.
Program Dates
The Farmers' Market Nutrition Program runs from July 1st - October 31st.
Locations
The FMNP currently operates in seven (7) localities including: Arlington, Chesapeake, Fairfax, Hampton, Norfolk, Peninsula and Virginia Beach.
In collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, approximately 50 Farmer Vendors are recruited, trained and authorized to accept WIC food instruments for eligible participants to purchase locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. For a listing of our participating Farmers' Markets, please read:
|
