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Using Your FMNP Benefits

2021 FARMERS MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM

Washington State Department of Health | 2

Five Things To Know About

Using YourFarmers Market

Nutrition Program Benefits

Washington State Department of Health | 3

1. KNOW WHERE TO SHOP

Look for the WIC & Senior Farmers Market Benefits WELCOME HERE! Sign.

When you see this sign, you’ll know you can buy fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs at this farmers market stand or farm store.

You can use the WICShopperapp to find a farmers market near you.

Washington State Department of Health | 4

Shop only at authorized Farmers Markets and Farm Stores between

June 1 and October 31

VOID

2. KNOW HOW TO SPEND YOUR BENEFITS

You can’t use:• Farmers Market

benefits at the grocery store

• Your WIC Card at the Farmers Market

Washington State Department of Health | 5

3. KNOW WHAT TO BUYUse your Farmers Market Nutrition Program benefits for locally grown produce only.

Locally grown = grown in Washington or in the border counties of Oregon and Idaho.

You can’t use Farmers Market Nutrition Program benefits for: • Honey• Dried fruits or dried vegetables • Eggs • Milk• Meats• Seafood • Nuts or seeds

You can’t use Farmers Market Nutrition Program benefits for other items sold at the Farmers Market, like:• Baked goods • Jams• Flowers• Potted plants• etc.

Choose:• Fresh fruits• Fresh vegetables• Fresh cut herbs

Washington State Department of Health | 6

4. KNOW HOW MUCH TO SPEND

Each check is worth $4.00 for fresh fruits, fresh vegetables,

and fresh cut herbs. You can add money to the $4.00.

For example, if you spend $4.75 you can pay the additional $.75 with cash or any other type of payment the grower accepts, for example tokens, SNAP benefits, debit, or credit.

There’s no change back. Spend as close

to the $4.00 as possible.

Washington State Department of Health | 7

5. KNOW WHEN TO SHOP

Keep your checks safe: If your Farmers Market checks are

lost or stolen, they can’t be replaced.

Someone you trust can do your shopping for you.

Shop throughout the summer and fall for the most variety of seasonal produce.

It’s one of the best parts of shopping at your local farmers market or farm store!

USE ALL YOUR BENEFITS BEFORE OCTOBER 31!

Washington State Department of Health | 8

TIPS FOR SHOPPING FOR PRODUCE

From June through September, the American Relief Act adds additional dollars to WIC fruit and vegetable benefits. WIC participants will use their WIC Card at authorized grocery stores for these benefits.

From June through October, Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) benefits allow WIC participants to shop for locally grown produce at authorized Farmers Markets and Farm Stores using their WIC FMNP checks.

Plan to use your WIC Card benefits at the store for items not allowed with FMNP benefits, like:• Frozen fruits and vegetables• Oranges, pineapples, or other

non-locally grown produce• Bagged lettuce or cut fruits and

vegetables

Plan to use your FMNP checks at Farmers Markets or Farm Stores for cut herbs and locally grown fresh produce, like:• Berries, peaches, nectarines, plums,

apricots, cherries, etc.• Squash, lettuce, corn, tomatoes,

green beans, snap-peas, etc.

Washington State Department of Health | 9

FIND A MARKET OR FARM STORE

FIND A RECIPE CONTACT US

Find authorized farmers markets and farm stores on our website:

https://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/WIC/FarmersMarket/WICFMNP

Visit MyPlate Kitchen for recipes, cookbooks, recipe videos, and recipe resources:

www.choosemyplate.gov/myplatekitchen

For questions about Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), email us at: FMNP@doh.wa.gov

For complaints about FMNP: email, fax, or mail the FMNP Complaint form located here: www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/WIC/FarmersMarket/WICFMNP

Farmers Market Nutrition Program Resources

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.Washington WIC doesn’t discriminate.

To request this document in another format, call 1-800-841-1410.

Deaf or hard of hearing customers, please call 711 (Washington Relay) or email WIC@doh.wa.gov.

DOH 962-996 March 2021

To request this document in another format, call 1-800-525-0127. Deaf or hard ofhearing customers, please call 711 (Washington Relay) or email civil.rights@doh.wa.gov.