What is the FMNP program?
The Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) offers low-income families access to fresh fruit and vegetables at farmers markets. WIC-FMNP, which serves participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) make up two separate components of this program. WIC-FMNP and SFMNP both provide coupons that can be exchanged for produce at authorized farmers markets, farm stands, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs.[1]
How has this program developed?
WIC-FMNP was originally authorized by Congress in 1992, and SFMNP in 2001. Both programs are administered by state governments: WIC-FMNP by the Washington State Department of Health and SFMNP by the Department of Social and Human Services. The programs are primarily federally-funded, but the State of Washington covers some administrative and food costs. WIC-FMNP has repeatedly faced state budget cuts which jeopardize the program and the federal funding it leverages for farmers and families in Washington state. Advocacy efforts by the Good Food Coalition won $100,000 in the state budget for each of the two programs in 2014.
Why is it important?
Last year, 2.3 million people received either SFMNP or WIC-FMNP coupons. This program contributed an extra $1.5 million to farmers in WA. For every $100 spent at farmers markets, $62 is reinvested locally while $99 will stay in [2].
FMNP also promotes consumption of fruit and vegetables for low-income families struggling to afford nutritious food. The guidelines for FMNP restrict coupons to local, fresh produce with stringent guidelines regarding which food is eligible.
Americans currently only eat 1.5 cups[3]* of per day on average, 2/3 of which is potatoes and tomatoes. However, the majority of potatoes and tomatoes consumed are processed and laden with salt in the form of French fries and ketchup.[4]
Eligibility
SFMNP: Seniors 60+ years old with household income below 185% of the federal poverty line.[5]
WIC-FMNP: Low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding post-partum women, and children up to 5 years of age who receive or are on a waiting list for WIC program benefits.
Where did the coupons go?
The table[6] below indicates the success of these programs for the year 2013 nationally.
| WIC-FMNP | SFMNP | |
|---|---|---|
| Farmers markets | 3,322 | 4,247 |
| Roadside Stands | 2,758 | 3,083 |
| Farmers | 17,713 | 20,617 |
| Participants | 1.5 million | 835,000 |
Which Washington communities benefit?
Farm stores can be found throughout Washington. (See locations and hours of eligible farm stores in Western Washington and Eastern Washington.) Last year, growers located in Yakima County collectively redeemed the most WIC-FMNP and SFMNP coupons in Washington State, totaling $340,000. Following Yakima, King County and Thurston County growers redeemed $78,000 and $50,000 worth of coupons respectively.
What is the future for these programs?
As part of overall budget cuts, the Washington State Department of Health has proposed significant cuts to WIC-FMNP in the 2015-2016 budget, some of which they plan to offset through a “buy back” program reinstating funds with future revenue. These cuts are outlined in the Farmers Market Nutrition Program Reduction Budget and the Farmers Market Nutrition Program Restoration Budget.
Fortunately, no cuts to Senior FMNP are included in the current budget proposal.
What can we do to save this program?
- Contact your legislators.
- Support the National Association of Farmers Market Nutrition Programs and the work of the Washington State Farmers Market Association.
- Buy local!
[1] [1] http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/wic/SFMNPFactSheet.pdf
[2] WA Sustainable Food and Farming Network, 2012
[3]* Average recommended amount ranges from 1 cup to 3 cups depending on gender and age.
[4] http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/wic/WICFMNPFactSheet.pdf
[5] http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/wic/SFMNPFactSheet.pdf
[6]USDA, 2014