There are two components to the Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (FMNPs),
the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) FMNP and the Senior FMNP. FMNPs provide a
direct tie between production agriculture and nutrition by providing seniors and
nutritionally at risk women and children the opportunity to buy fresh local
produce directly from farmers.
The Goals of the Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (FMNPs) are clear:
To provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables
and herbs from farmers markets and roadside stands to low-income seniors and
nutritionally at risk women and children.
To increase domestic consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding or
aiding in the expansion of farmers markets, roadside stands, and community
supported agriculture programs.
To develop or aid in the development of new and additional farmers markets,
roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs.
The method is simple:
Give low-income seniors, women and children coupons to redeem for fresh fruits
and vegetables at local farmers markets and roadside stands along with related
nutrition education.
They are unique among federal programs:
In that, the FMNPs encourage health and agriculture agencies, communities,
farmers, and recipients to be active partners in a common effort to support the
local economy and improve the health of families.
The results are:
Farmers increase their client base and incomes.
Needy families get nutritious, Alabama grown fresh fruits and vegetables.
We all stand to benefit from a generation of young children who start out life
with good nutrition and a healthier senior population.
These programs are examples of direct marketing in which everyone benefits.
How To Use Your FMNP Coupons
Choose a farmers market from our list of redemption sites. All markets are self
-governing. It is important that you note the markets days and hours of
operation and inquire locally for exact opening and closing dates. (These dates
may or may not coincide with the valid dates to redeem FMNP coupons, April 15 -
November 15).
Walk through the market to compare the variety, quality and price of the produce
items on display at each farmer's stand before deciding what you will buy.
Use your FMNP coupons to buy fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs from farmers who
display the "Farmers Market Nutrition Program" sign. If you have any questions
about selecting and preparing fresh produce, please ask the farmers.
Each coupon is worth $4.00. You cannot Receive change from a coupon. If your
purchase is less than the amount of one or more coupons, the farmer will add
more fruits and vegetables of your choice to make up the difference.
You are welcome to use cash at the market to buy additional fresh produce.
You cannot use your coupons to buy non-produce items, ornamental pumpkins, or
gourds.
FMNP coupons cannot be used at a grocery store or any location that is not
listed on our redemption site. |