Families participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) can receive double benefits to spend at participating farmers markets, helping them supplement their food budget and purchase healthy, local produce. Eligible individuals can visit their local WIC clinic to receive up to $50 in Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) vouchers this season. The WIC FMNP program helps expand food access and meet families’ nutrition goals while supporting New York farmers. This announcement comes during National Farmers’ Market Week, an annual recognition of these local traditions and their important role in communities.

“This expanded grant is an important part of our work every day to put more money in the pockets of working families while ensuring all New Yorkers have access to healthy, fresh food,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “By doubling the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program grant this year, we are providing additional help to tens of thousands of families so they can spend even more money at their farmers’ market, while also supporting our local farmers who grow and produce the fresh food that is so important to a healthy, nutritious diet, especially for young children.”

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM), in partnership with the New York State Department of Health (DOH), administers the FMNP for WIC program. The program typically provides WIC-eligible participants with a $25 coupon booklet. However, this season, New York State was able to increase these benefits to $50 per participant through a waiver requested by AGM and approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding women, infants and children up to age five who are enrolled in WIC are eligible for WIC FMNP vouchers. These vouchers can only be used at participating farmers markets and farm stands to purchase local, fresh vegetables, fruits and culinary herbs. Voucher booklets are available at participating local WIC clinics and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Vouchers must be used by November 30.

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