WIC FMNP Benefits Doubled in Honor of National Farmers’ Market Week

A shot of local farmland off Interstate 90 in Silver Creek, New York.Photo byPhoto by J.M. Lesinski

As part of National Farmers’ Market Week, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul recently unveiled double benefits for those in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) for usage specifically at local participating farmers’ markets. 

“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 stated of the benefits. “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.”

Enrolled and eligible families should visit their local WIC center for up to $50 in additional Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) coupons to be used this season at participating farmer’s markets and stands exclusively for fresh vegetables, fruit, and cooking herbs. Booklets are available on a first come, first served basis and must be spent by November 30.

“The Farmers Market Federation of New York applauds Governor Kathy Hochul's announcement to double the WIC FMNP benefits for families,” remarked Executive Director of the Farmers Market Federation of New York Jack Riffle of the benefits. “This significant increase not only empowers families to access more healthy, local produce but also supports New York's dedicated farmers who work tirelessly to provide fresh, nutritious food. By doubling the WIC FMNP program benefit, we are investing directly in New York families and farmers. This announcement, coming during National Farmers’ Market Week, underscores Governor Hochul's recognition of the indispensable role farmers' markets play as community hubs for nutritious food. This initiative perfectly exemplifies how state governments can invest in a more robust local food system to create positive, lasting impacts. We are excited to see the benefits this will bring to both consumers and farmers across New York State.”

WIC FMNP aims to both economically boost New York farmers and better meet needs and access to enrolled families’ nutrition. Women who are pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding, or infants and children up to age five enrolled in WIC can receive FMNP coupons. 

“Governor Hochul’s commitment to ensuring all New Yorkers have access to nutritious food is one of the many ways the State is working to overcome disparities that impact social determinants of health, including food security,” New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald commented of the benefits. “This program is an excellent way for participants in the WIC program to supplement their food budget and provide healthy, nutrient-rich meals and snacks for their families.”

The FMNP WIC program is administered through a joint partnership between the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) and the New York State Department of Health (DOH). 

“Since the pandemic, the Department has doubled down on its efforts to strengthen the local food system, increase food access, and connect more consumers to farmers to support the State’s agricultural economy,” noted New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball of the benefits. “This new program meets all these goals, helping to offset the rise in food prices and encourage our eligible families to maintain their healthy consumption of fruits and vegetables by shopping at their local participating farmers’ market, while supporting our farmers at the same time.”