WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

The purpose of the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program is to improve the health of women and children and to encourage the purchase of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables directly from farmers. Produce can be purchased at authorized farmers markets and roadside stands from April 1 to October 31 each year.

In Florida, the program is administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) in cooperation with the Florida Department of Health, Florida Department of Elder Affairs, and the Florida Cooperative Extension Service.

A farmers market is an association of farmers who assemble for the purpose of selling their produce directly to consumers.

Children between the ages of 1 and 5 and pregnant, postpartum or breast-feeding women who are enrolled in the WIC program.

You will receive Farmers' Market Nutrition Program coupons from the WIC clinic in which you are enrolled. You will also receive information about the nutritional importance of fresh fruits and vegetables and the list of participating farmers markets in your area.

Go to a participating farmers market or roadside stand in your area. Look for farmers displaying the sign stating "We Gladly Accept FMNP Coupons Here." Choose from the locally grown, FMNP-approved produce available. Show the farmer your WIC ID card. Sign and date the coupon(s) and provide the coupon(s) to the farmer.

Only these authorized fresh fruits and vegetables may be purchased with FMNP coupons: apples, asparagus, avocados, bananas, beans, berries, broccoli, cabbage, carambola, carrots, cauliflower, celery, Chinese cabbage, collards, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, endive/escarole, figs, grapefruit, grapes, green onion/leeks, greens, guavas, kale, kumquats, lemons, lettuce, limes, mangos, melons, mushrooms, okra, onions, oranges, papaya, passion fruit, peaches, peas, peppers, pineapple, potatoes, pumpkins, radishes, rhubarb, rutabagas, satsumas, spinach, squash, strawberries, tangerines, tomatoes, zucchini.

• Alachua
• Bay
• Columbia
• Duval
• Escambia
• Gadsden
• Holmes
• Jackson
• Leon
• Okaloosa
• Santa Rosa
• St. Johns
• Sumter
• Walton
• Washington

Fresh fruits and vegetables are high in many important vitamins and minerals. Some of these can also be a rich source of fiber in your diet. Fruits and vegetables high in vitamin A (like cantaloupe, collards, mangos, sweet potatoes, carrots, lettuce, spinach and squash) can give you and your little one more energy. Fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin C (like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, grapefruit, oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, cantaloupe, collards, mangos, spinach and tomatoes) can lower your chances of getting cancer or heart disease. Fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber (like blackberries, carrots, oranges, sweet potatoes, spinach, blueberries, grapefruit, strawberries, cooked beans and peas) can add color, flavor and variety to your diet.

Yes, there are restrictions. You must use your FMNP coupons to buy only locally grown, fresh fruits and vegetables. FMNP coupons may not be used to purchase baked goods, seafood or processed foods such as jams, honey, apple cider, fruit juices, pickles or cane syrup. Coupons are only issued in $6 amounts. You will not receive any change back if your purchase is less than $6. Ask the farmer if you can receive additional produce to make up the difference.

• FDACS provides guidance, training, outreach and technical support to farmers markets;
• Promotes farmers market locations through WIC agencies and other community stakeholders; and
• Connects WIC participants with local farmers markets and roadside stands via informational flyers.

• Promote the program to WIC families through newsletters, mailings and digital communications; and
• Shop at farmers markets in support of your local farmers.