Families participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) can now receive double the benefits to spend at participating farmers’ markets, helping to supplement their food budgets and purchase healthy, local products.
Governor Kathy Hochul on August 8 announced eligible individuals can visit their local WIC clinic to receive up to $50 in Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) coupons this season, according to a press release.
“This expanded benefit is an important part of our daily work to put more money back in the pockets of working families while ensuring all New Yorkers have access to healthy, fresh foods,” Hochul said. “By doubling the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program benefit this year, we are offering extra help to tens of thousands of families to stretch their dollars even further at their farmers’ market while supporting our local farmers who are growing and producing the fresh food that is so critical to a healthy, nutritious diet, particularly for young children.”
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM), working in partnership with the New York State Department of Health (DOH), administers the FMNP for WIC program. The program traditionally provides a $25 coupon booklet for WIC-eligible participants, but this season, New York State has been able to expand those benefits to $50 per participant.
Pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to the age of five, who are enrolled in WIC, are eligible to receive WIC FMNP coupons. These coupons can only be used at participating farmers' markets and farm stands to purchase local, fresh vegetables, fruit, and culinary herbs. Coupon booklets are available at participating local WIC clinics on a first come, first served basis. Coupons must be used by November 30.
To learn more about the farmers' market programs or to find a market near you, visit agriculture.ny.gov/farmersmarkets.
