Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs
Indiana Department of Health administers the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) and the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). While separately regulated, because of the similarity between the two, Indiana chooses to administer them under a single, consolidated state plan of operation.
The program's goals are to provide participants with fresh, locally grown, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and edible herbs and to expand the awareness, use of, and sales at farmers’ markets. Produce may be purchased only from WIC-approved farmers at WIC-approved selling locations.
Applicants for benefits must live within a participating service area of the local agency and have a gross household income of not more than 185% of current federal poverty income guidelines.
Applicants to SFMNP must be at least 60 years old (or at least 55 years old AND living in housing that is primarily elderly-occupied AND where congregate nutrition services are provided).
Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Markets, Merchants, and Farm Stands
Authorization of growers and selling locations is valid for three seasons.
Merchants
To apply, a merchant must:
- Grow at least 51% of the produce they sell during the season.
- Live in Indiana or in a bordering county of a neighboring state.
- Download the application packet and the S/FMNP Manual using the links below.
Selling Locations
Approval of a market stall, farm stand, or roadside stand as a selling location must be made on the grower’s application. All approved selling locations must be attended on all days and hours of operation as listed on the grower’s application.
Contact Information
For more information call 800-522-0874 or email WICCommoditiesPrograms@health.in.gov
WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)
WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is a federally funded program that was established by Congress in 1992. It is associated with the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, popularly known as WIC.
United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) awards grants to states, the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, and federally recognized Indian tribal governments. Congress appropriates funding annually for the administration of the FMNP. Federal funds support 100 percent of food costs and 70 percent of administrative costs of the program.
FMNP serves pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women. infants more than 4 months old, and children 1 to 5 years old.
Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)
Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is designed to provide low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, and edible herbs; increase domestic consumption of agricultural commodities through farmers’ markets and roadside stands, and aid in the development of new and additional farmers’ markets and roadside stands.
United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) awards grants to states, the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, and federally recognized Indian tribal governments. The Farm Bill provides federal funding for the program. 90 percent of federal funds support food costs and 10 percent of federal funds support administrative costs of the program.
Applicants to SFMNP must be at least 60 years old (or at least 55 years old AND living in housing that is primarily elderly-occupied AND where congregate nutrition services are provided).
Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.