The WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) are Congressionally-authorized programs designed to provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared fruits and vegetables to women, infants, children, and low-income seniors while promoting sales and awareness of local farmers markets.

These programs are jointly funded by the State of Iowa and the United States Department of Agriculture—Food and Nutrition Service (USDA—FNS). The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) administers the program in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Public Health, local WIC agencies, and the Iowa Department of Elder Affairs.

Program Goals

WIC FMNP

1. Provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared foods from farmers markets to nutritionally at-risk women, infants, and children who participate in WIC or are on the waiting list.
2. Increase awareness and sales at farmers markets.

Senior FMNP (SFMNP)

1. Provide low-income seniors (60+ years) with locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
2. Expand domestic consumption of agricultural commodities by aiding in the expansion of farmers markets and related programs.
3. Support the development of new farmers markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs.

Distribution of Benefits

1. WIC FMNP checks are given to eligible WIC recipients when they pick up WIC checks at local clinics. https://hhs.iowa.gov/food-assistance/wic-Iowa/wic-locations 
2. Senior FMNP checks are distributed at Congregate Meal sites or designated Area Agency on Aging locations. https://nei3a.org/# 
3. Each recipient receives a specified number of FMNP/SFMNP checks during a one-time distribution period.
4. Recipients must sign for checks upon receipt and when redeeming them at authorized vendors.
5. Proxies are permitted to sign for and redeem checks at certified vendors.
6. Nutrition education is provided about fresh produce available at authorized locations.
7. Recipients should look for vendor stall signs indicating participation in the program.

Recipient Responsibilities

1. Qualify under FMNP/SFMNP guidelines and attend a designated distribution site.
2. Sign vouchers at the time of purchase in the presence of a certified vendor.
3. Use vouchers only for eligible foods at authorized locations.
4. Redeem vouchers before their printed expiration date.
5. Report violations, lost or stolen vouchers, and other issues to the appropriate agency.

Certified Vendor Obligations

1. Maintain at least 20% of all displayed products as eligible foods, with the majority personally grown.
2. Accept vouchers only at authorized locations, hours, and days.
3. Display certified vendor identification signs and remove them when sold out.
4. Provide eligible foods to recipients upon receipt of a valid voucher.
5. Submit vouchers for payment within 15 days after the expiration date.
6. Treat FMNP/SFMNP transactions as all other customer transactions without discrimination.
7. Not collect taxes or impose surcharges on voucher transactions.
8. Ensure compliance with FMNP/SFMNP regulations and training requirements.
9. Participate in program evaluation and respond to surveys.

Eligible Foods

Fruits & Vegetables:

Apples, Cherries, Onions, Spinach, Apricots, Cucumbers, Peaches, Strawberries, Beans, Eggplant, Peas, Sweet Corn, Beets, Kale, Potatoes, Tomatoes, Broccoli, Radishes, Watermelon, Cabbage, Raspberries, Zucchini, Carrots, Lettuce, and more.

Herbs:

Basil, Dill, Oregano, Sage, Chives, Garlic, Parsley, Cilantro, Mint, Rosemary, Thyme.

Additional Notes:

• Pure honey is an eligible food for Senior FMNP recipients only.
• Processed foods and non-produce items are not eligible.

The FMNP/SFMNP program ensures improved access to fresh, locally grown produce for eligible participants while supporting Iowa’s farmers markets. For more details on participation, eligibility, and vendor certification, contact IDALS or local public health agencies.

Making Farmers Markets More Accessible: How WIC Benefits Local Families

Farmers markets are a fantastic way to connect with fresh, local food while supporting small farms and businesses. But for many families, accessing healthy, nutritious food isn’t always easy. That’s where programs like Women, Infants & Children (WIC) come in!

WIC provides essential food assistance, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. This program ensures that families have the resources they need to thrive while also helping local food economies grow.