Sell with the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
The New York State Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) consists of two programs: the Women, Infants, and Children Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (WIC FMNP) and the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). Consumers who are eligible for these programs are provided checks to redeem for fresh, local fruits and vegetables at participating farmers' markets and farm stands.
Participating in FMNP as a farmer supports economic development by increasing sales at farmers' markets and farm stands. It also helps to promote the growth of family farms by creating a market for their fresh, local fruit and vegetables.
Farmers and farmers' markets must apply to participate in this program, so that consumers participating in the WIC and Senior programs can use their benefits. Consumers use Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) Checks to purchase fresh, local, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and culinary herbs only from farmers participating in the FMNP, and at markets in New York State participating in the program.
Farmer Application
Farmers interested in applying to the FMNP need to apply to the program each year before accepting any FMNP checks at a farmers' market, farm stand, or mobile market.
Before you apply, please read the Rules and Procedures for Farmers (FMC-5).
A complete application for the program must include:
These application documents must be submitted and farmers must be authorized on a yearly basis.
Additional Required Forms
Farmers participating in FMNP must also fill out a Crop Plan (FMC-12) each year. This form must be provided to every market manager where FMNP checks are accepted, every year.
Farmers who operate a Farm Stand in the FMNP must also apply as a market each year.
Training
All farmers participating in the FMNP must meet an annual training requirement set by the Department.
New farmers must undergo a formal training offered by the Department or a market manager/sponsor using the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program training materials provided by the Department and submit documentation. Learn more about our training options, and register now for one of our upcoming training webinars or take a pre-recorded webinar.
Returning farmers meet the training requirement by reading the Rules and Procedures for Farmers (FMC-5) and by submitting a signed Farmer Participation Agreement (FMC-6).
FMNP Related Documents
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Rules and Procedures for Farmers (FMC-5)
The rules and procedures as described in this document apply to all approved farmers in the FMNP.
Download
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FMNP Farmer Participation Agreement (FMC-6)
Farmers must fill out and submit this form each year before accepting any FMNP checks at a farmers' market, farm stand, or mobile market.
Download
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FMNP Crop Plan (FMC-12)
This form must be provided to every market manager where FMNP checks are accepted, every year.
Download
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FMNP Training Webinar Power Point - Handout
The FMNP training power point presentation in .pdf format and two slides per page.
Download
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Comparison between FMNP and FreshConnect
A one page comparison sheet between the FMNP and FreshConnect programs.
Download
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Comparison Between FMNP and WIC VF
A one page comparison sheet between the FMNP and WIC VF programs.
Download
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Nutrition Assistance Programs at New York State Farmers’ Markets
Farmers that direct market their products at farmers markets can increase their revenue through the acceptance of these nutrition assistance programs.
Download
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Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs Training
The FMNP training powerpoint presentation in .pdf format and a full slide per page.
Download
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Tips on Recruiting Farmers to Markets
have some key information ready for the farms before you begin recruiting.
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FMNP List of Farmers Interested in Attending Additional Markets
This document is a tool for market operators to help them when recruiting farmers for their market. A market can solicit any farmer on the list.
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Sell with the FreshConnect Checks Program
The FreshConnect Checks Program was designed to increase the purchasing power of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) consumers by 40 percent while supporting local farmers, farmers’ markets, farm stands, and mobile markets. This program can be an additional revenue source for farmers or vendors, or a way to attract a new customer base. In 2014, the FreshConnect Checks Program became available to veterans, service members, and their immediate families to be used to purchase fresh foods at participating farmers' markets and farm stands.
The FreshConnect Checks Program includes the farmers or vendors who sell SNAP eligible food items at any farmers' market, farm stand, or mobile market in New York State. It also includes farmers’ markets that enroll and participate in the NYS Wireless EBT Program and any farmers’ markets, farm stands, or mobile markets operating in New York State where eligible food items are sold.
Participating in FreshConnect
If you are a farmer or vendor interested in participating in the FreshConnect Checks Program, you must first:
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Take a pre-recorded training webinar. This webinar is roughly 30 minutes long and involves a voluntary survey at the end. Those who wish to receive email confirmation of the training must take the survey;
- Familiarize yourself with the rules and procedures for farmers and vendors participating in the FreshConnect program; and
- Request a FCC FreshConnect Checks sign from the manager of your farmers' market, or from the Department.
Check Redemption
FreshConnect Checks must be mailed, along with the Universal Redemption form, to:
Farmers' Market Federation of New York
117 Highbridge Street, Suite U1
Fayetteville, New York 13066
Eligible Food Items
FreshConnect Checks are used to purchase SNAP eligible food items. For a complete list of these food items, please refer to the USDA's list of SNAP eligible food items.
Some examples of eligible and ineligible foods include:
Eligible (YES) | NOT Eligible (NO) |
---|---|
Breads and cereals | Beer, wine, and liquor |
Fruits and vegetables | Cigarettes and tobacco |
Meats, fish, and poultry | Pet foods |
Honey | Soaps and lotions |
Coffee (whole beans and/or ground) | Vitamins and medicines |
Apple cider | Hot foods to eat at the market |
Dairy products | Other prepared foods to eat at the market |
Pasta | |
Baked goods to eat at home | |
Seeds and plants that produce food |
FreshConnect Related Documents
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FCC Rules and Procedures for Farmers
FreshConnect Checks may be used to purchase eligible food items.
Download
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Comparison between FMNP and FreshConnect
A one page comparison sheet between the FMNP and FreshConnect programs.
Download
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Nutrition Assistance Programs at New York State Farmers’ Markets
Farmers that direct market their products at farmers markets can increase their revenue through the acceptance of these nutrition assistance programs.
Download
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FreshConnect Checks Program Training
The FCC training powerpoint presentation in .pdf format and a full slide per page.
Download