More farmers’ markets may now be eligible to accept Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) and WIC FMNP checks (together referred to as S/FMNP). The S/FMNP program provides $50 worth of checks for seniors and $30 worth of checks for families on WIC to purchase fresh, locally grown produce and herbs at authorized farmers markets during the summer. Previously, a farmers’ market was required to have a minimum of 5 authorized produce vendors, but new in 2023, a farmers’ market now is eligible to accept SFMNP with a minimum of 3 authorized vendors. The MN Department of Agriculture (MDA) has changed the requirements for a farmers’ market to be eligible to accept S/FMNP after doing a pilot program last year in Ramsey County. Note, FMNP checks are not the same as WIC dollars that WIC families receive monthly. WIC dollars are not accepted at a farmers’ market currently.
For more information about how a market can become authorized click here