FMNP Benefit Issuance and Redemption

WHAT IS THE WIC AND SENIOR FARMERS MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM (FMNP)?

The program has two goals:

• To provide resources to low- income women, infants, and children and low- income senior citizens who are at nutritional risk in the form of checks for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets; and
• To expand the use and awareness of farmers markets.

HOW DOES THE FMNP PROGRAM WORK?

• Participants of the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program can receive at health centers or clinics a one-time benefit in the form of a card to be redeemed at authorized farmers markets.
• Participants of the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program are required to be above the age of 60 and based on household income may receive a one-time benefit in the form of a card to be redeemed at authorized farmers markets. Senior FMNP cards may be received in certain cases through the Area Agencies on Aging and in certain areas online at https://agnet.mdac.ms.gov/SFMNP/ or by clicking the button below:
  FMNP Participant Registration
• WIC and Senior FMNP recipients have until the end of October to redeem their card at an authorized farmers market or farmstand location.

AFTER RECEIVING THE FMNP CARD:

• STEP 1
  KNOW WHEN AND WHERE TO GO
  Refer to the map issued along with card or visit MS Farmers Markets for a list of markets and select WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program for a market near you.
• STEP 2
  GET THERE EARLY
  For the best selection and most available produce will be found when the market opens.
• STEP 3
  LOOK FOR THIS SIGN AT THE MARKET
  The sign will indicate which farmers accept the FMNP card.
• STEP 4
  KNOW YOUR FMNP CARD BALANCE BEFORE OR UPON ARRIVING AT THE MARKET
  Participants will be responsible for keeping track of the remaining balance on the FMNP card; however, a vendor can enter a recipient’s hybrid code in the farmer’s HomeGrown Benefits app and view the recipient’s remaining balance.
  • To redeem the WIC FMNP benefits, present the QR code on your card to the authorized farmer through the HomeGrown Benefits app.
  • The authorized farmer will open their app to scan your QR code. If scanning does not work, the farmer can enter the customer code found under the QR picture.
  • The farmer will show the total cost for the items you are purchasing. Make sure the amount shown totals the amount that you are purchasing. Once the amount is confirmed the transaction is completed.

Note: Keep the card after the season because the card can be reloaded for the next program year.

WHAT CAN BE PURCHASED WITH WIC AND SENIOR FMNP CARDS?

Some of the items listed below may not be available for purchase at your market:

• FRUITS – apples, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupes, figs, muscadines, peaches, pears, satsumas, strawberries, watermelons
• VEGETABLES – beans, beets,  broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, greens (all varieties), kale, lettuce, mushrooms, okra, onions, peas, peppers, potatoes (all varieties), pumpkins, radishes, rutabagas,  spinach, squash, tomatoes, turnips
• HONEY (Senior FMNP)

WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program cards may not be used to purchase pecans, peanuts, juices, syrups (sorghum or maple), cider, nuts and seeds, eggs, cheese, honey (WIC), meat and seafood.

 

 

Where Can I Get More Information?

Additional information about the Mississippi FMNP initiative is available from:
Purvie Green
FMNP Program Coordinator,
Mississippi Department of Agriculture & Commerce
P.O. Box 1609
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 576-FMNP (3667).

For tips on recipes, storage and handling and shopping for healthy foods, visit:

www.http://happyhealthy.extension.msstate.edu/

How to Participate as a Farmer

The criteria to participate in the FMNP as a participating farmer requires the farmer to be a bona fide grower and grow and harvest the produce he/she intends to sell.  Certification is a two-step process. First, growers must attend a training session as coordinated by the FMNP coordinator or receive training from farmers market managers to understand the requirements of the program. Second, growers must complete the FMNP Farmer Application and Agreement (PDF)  and submit a crop plan which identifies what fruits and vegetables they intend to grow and sell at participating farmers markets. Once a year, a staff member of MDAC or a market manager may visit the grower to ensure compliance with program requirements.