Farmers’ Markets for WIC Fa​​milies

Farmers’ markets have a variety of fruits and vegetables for your family to try. They can be a great place for children to explore and learn. Ask your local WIC agency about farmers’ market benefits in your area.

The California WIC program offers two types of food benefits to use at farmers’ markets.​

Farmers’​ Market Nutrition P​​​rogram (FMNP)

WIC offers a limited number of  FMNP benefits (checks) that can be used to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and fresh-cut herbs from WIC authorized farmers at WIC authorized farmers’​ markets.  These benefits are:

• Seasonally available from May 1 to September 30 every year.
• Limited to $30 total to eligible households as long as funding is available. 
• Used to purchase California grown fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and fresh-cut herbs.
• Used with WIC authorized farmers at WIC authorized farmers’ markets only. 
• Cannot be used in grocery stores.
  
• Used no later than November 30 of the year issued.

WIC Fruits and Vegetabl​es Benefits (FVB)

 Most WIC participants receive WIC fruits and vegetables benefit (FVB), also known as cash value benefit (CVB), on the WIC card each month. A limited number of  CVB authorized farmers accept the WIC Card at select WIC authorized farmers’ markets.

• FVB is added to the WIC Card food package monthly.
• Benefits expire after 30 days.
• Total monthly FVB amounts vary based on the categories of family members on WIC.
• $26 per month for children ages 1-5
• $47 per month for pregnant and postpartum participants
• $52 per month for fully or partially breastfeeding participants
  
• Families can purchase California-grown fresh fruit and vegetables. 
• Fresh-cut herbs are not allowed.
•  The WIC Card can also be used at grocery stores.

Resource

• Authorized Farmers’ Markets List (PDF)​