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Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)

Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain, DVM, encourages senior citizens 60 and older who meet certain income requirements to contact their parish Council on Aging to participate in the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP).  

All participants must be 60 years old and have a household income of not more than 185% of the poverty level. For one person in the household, the annual household income level would be $20,036 or less and for two persons in the household, the annual household income level would be $26,955 or less. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry secured a  grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to participate in the 2010 program allowing senior citizens to buy locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, cut herbs and honey at farmers markets and roadside stands.

Through the grant, those who qualify will receive a book of six $4-coupons ($24). The FMNP coupons may only be used to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, cut herbs and honey approved by the Louisiana Farmers Nutrition Program from farmers at approved Farmers Markets and roadside stands. Farmers cannot give change for coupons; therefore, each purchase must be at least $4. Seniors who receive coupons also will receive a directory, listing participating farmers markets and roadside stands where the coupons may be spent.

Seniors who received coupons in 2009 will not automatically receive a new booklet. Seniors who qualify for the coupons must go to their local parish Council on Aging to re-apply for the program.

Seniors who receive commodities through the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Food for Seniors Program; those who have a Letter of Eligibility for the Louisiana Purchase Card (food stamps); those who have a Letter of Eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI); or those who receive Medicaid are pre-qualified for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program because the income level to qualify for those programs is less than for this program. Those who pre-qualify still need to complete an application for the farmers market coupons in order to participate.

For more information about the Farmers Market Nutrition Program, call 985-345-9483.

WIC Farmers Market Nutritional Program Pilot

This program is available for women, children and infants at least 4 months of age who are currently certified for the WIC program.  Due to limited availability, booklets are distributed on a first come first served basis and is limited to one booklet per WIC household. This program will allow WIC participants to purchase fresh, high quality produce (fruits & vegetables) grown directly by Louisiana farmers and sold at local participating farmers markets from June thru November.

Each WIC family will receive one booklet of 6 coupons worth $4.00 each (total value of $24).  Please remember NO CHANGE can be given for FMNP coupons, plan on spending at least $4 (one coupon) at one vendor. The coupons are good at participating farmers markets.  They expire the last day of November.

A variety of fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits and vegetables may be purchased with FMNP coupons.  Remember that farmers’ markets are seasonal, so availability and variety of produce depends heavily on weather conditions.

Funding for WIC FMNP comes from USDA Food and Nutrition Service and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. For more information, please contact your local WIC clinic.

Look for the yellow sign at participating vendor booths that read “WIC and Senior Farmers Market Coupons Welcome.”  Please note that not all market vendors can accept coupons.

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