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Virginia's Farm Market Fresh for Older Adults and WIC Program

The Farm Market Fresh program, also known as the Senior & WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (S/FMNP) is a federal and state nutrition program administered by DARS' Division for Aging Services that authorizes farmers to accept Virginia's Farm Market Fresh for Older Adults and WIC Program (S/FMNP) vouchers at farmers' markets.

The purposes of the program include providing fresh fruit and vegetables and nutrition education to participants; promotion and use of farmers' markets as a direct marketing outlet for Virginia farmers; and promotion of Virginia fresh fruit, vegetables and cut herbs.

Virginia’s Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs

Banner Farm Market Fresh for Older Adults

Senior FMNP

What is Farm Market Fresh for Older Adults?

Older adults are eligible to receive a $50 benefit to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and fresh cut herbs from approved vendors if the following statements are true:

  • You are 60 years of age or older.
  • You are a resident of a locality that participates in the program.
  • You do not live in the same household and you are not an immediate family member of the farmer who grows the produce.
  • You meet the program’s income requirements. You must certify your household income.

Vouchers issued to eligible participants:
June 1 - September 30

Vouchers can be redeemed at participating
farmers' markets & roadside stands:
June 1 - November 30

Farm Market Fresh banner for WIC

WIC FMNP

The WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) was established by Congress in July 1992 to provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits and vegetables through farmers’ markets and roadside stands to WIC participants, and to expand awareness and use of, and sales at, farmers’ markets and roadside stands.

What is Farm Market Fresh for WIC?

Pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants (5-12 months) and children (1 year to 5 years of age) are eligible to receive a $30 benefit to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs from approved vendors.

Who is eligible?
WIC families who are served by the following WIC Clinics:

Did you receive farmers’ market checks?
These resources are here to help:



How to find a Farmers’ Market with authorized farmers:

  1. Visit: vafma.org/virginia-markets and use the filters below the map to click "Programs" and select "Senior FMNP" or "WIC FMNP" to find markets with farmers who can accept S/FMNP checks, or
  2. Download the Virginia Farmers Market Trail app for iPhone.

Look for this sign that identifies authorized farmers at farmers' markets:

Farm Market Fresh sign

Interested in becoming an authorized Farm Market Fresh Farmer/Vendor?

This resource is here to help:

Farmer Applications Click Here!

Questions on Farmer application and agreement?:

Matthew Wasikiewicz
Farm Market Fresh Coordinator
Phone: (804) 774-9067
Email: Matthew.wasikiewicz@dars.virginia.gov


Farmer Training

DARS hosts virtual Training & Information Sessions for interested farmers to discuss the details of this program.
Due to program updates, in 2025 ALL participating farmers must attend one training session before accepting Farm Market Fresh checks at the market.

Click Here to Register

Virtual Farmer Training & Information sessions will be offered the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at alternating times (3:30 – 4:30pm or 5:30 – 6:30pm) on the following dates:

  • April 15 (3:30 – 4:30pm)
  • May 6 (5:30 – 6:30pm)
  • May 20 (3:30 – 4:30pm)
  • June 3 (5:30 – 6:30pm)
  • June 17 (3:30 – 4:30pm)
  • July 1 (5:30 – 6:30pm)
  • July 15 (3:30 – 4:30pm)

Farmers who need assistance attending a Training & Information Session, please call Matthew, the Farm Market Fresh Coordinator, at (804) 774-9067.

Announcements!

In 2025, Farm Market Fresh will be using the Healthy Together platform! This platform will bring on updates to the Farm Market Fresh benefits with a digital and physical option!

To apply as a farmer or apply as a senior to receive the benefits on your browser, go to http://www.healthytogether.co/onboarding/virginia-fmf or you can download the app on iOS or Android below and apply there!

Download the app here:Download Healthy Together

 

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.


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