Program Overview

California WIC is proud to support the consumption of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables by shopping at a Farmers’ Market. There are three food benefit programs that are available at the Farmers' Market. Two food benefit programs supported by WIC and the other is supported by the Department of Food and Agriculture for seniors.

Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program

The Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and began in the 1990s to provide fresh, nutritious, locally grown fruits and vegetables from farmers’ markets to low-income families and seniors. Each eligible family receives $20 in vouchers to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and cut herbs at WIC-approved Certified Farmers’ Markets in California during the season, from May through November. California operates the largest WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program in the nation. In 2010, 149,200 WIC families, 1100 certified farmers, 430 certified farmers’ markets participated in the program.

Fruit & Vegetable Checks

In October 2009, WIC Food Benefits were changed to include produce items and we accomplished this by introducing a fruit & vegetable check. In May 2010 WIC staff trained farmers at selected markets to accept the fruit and vegetable checks and WIC families were provided information about the new farmer vendors. The three types of checks that may be used at farmers' markets are listed below.