Programs, Services, and Grant Opportunitites
Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
The Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is a popular supplemental food program offered at most CT Farmers’ Markets. Certified farmers are reimbursed the face value of the checks, thereby enhancing the farmers’ earnings and supporting their participation in FMNP authorized farmers’ market.
To be eligible to accept these checks, a farmer must have signed a Letter of Agreement and submitted a Crop Plan with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture. Certified farmers may deposit all FMNP checks at any Connecticut financial institution (bank, savings and loan, credit union, etc.) by appropriately endorsing each voucher.
PLEASE NOTE: Any produce farmer who wishes to participate in a FMNP authorized Farmers’ Market should contact the CT Department of Agriculture. Farmers must go through a short certification meeting followed by production area verification prior to participating in a FMNP authorized market:
Crop Plan (2 pgs, 303 KB, .pdf)
Specialty Crop Plan (2 pgs, 303 KB, .pdf)
WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)
The WIC FMNP is a congressionally authorized program administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAG) and jointly funded by the State of Connecticut and the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS).
This program provides benefits to Women, Infants and Children (WIC) who are identified as “nutritionally at risk,” to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at FMNP authorized farmers’ markets. Each eligible recipient receives five (5) three-dollar ($3) checks ($15 per recipient, per market season). WIC FMNP check booklets are distributed to WIC offices statewide by CT DoAG. For a listing of FMNP authorized farmers’ markets, please visit our Farmers’ Market listing on the Publications Page.
Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)
The SFMNP is a supplemental food program for low income seniors, it is similar in most respects to the WIC FMNP.
Individuals 60 years of age or older, with incomes that do not exceed 185% of poverty income guidelines are eligible. Clients must be participating in another program with proper means testing verifying their eligibility. Examples of other programs include but are not limited to renter rebate programs or congregate meal programs.
Each eligible recipient receives five (5) three-dollar ($3) checks ($15 per recipient, per market season), which can be redeemed at FMNP authorized markets throughout Connecticut for fruits, vegetables, fresh cut herbs, and honey. For a listing of FMNP authorized farmers’ markets, please visit our Farmers’ Market listing on the Publications Page.
Senior FMNP checks are issued to Municipal Agents or Social/Elderly Service Directors by the CT DoAG. CT DoAG cannot send SFMNP checks to individual seniors. The vouchers are then distributed by the Municipal Agents or Social/Elderly Service Directors to their seniors clients.
Municipal Agents and Social/Elderly Service Directors that are interested in participating in the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program can fill out an application.
SFMNP Introductory Letter pdf, 1pg
Fillable Application for SFMNP pdf, 1pg
For more information on Connecticut farmers’ markets and other supplemental food programs offered through farmers’ markets, please see the CT Farmers’ Market Reference Guide or call the CT Department of Agriculture – Marketing Bureau (860) 713-2503.
