WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)

The WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) began as a pilot program in 1992. The intent of the program was to bring locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables into the homes of the WIC participant and to help promote the local farmers market. In Kentucky, each WIC recipient in the household receives Automated Food Instruments (AFIs) worth $20 each summer to purchase locally grown fruits, vegetables or fresh cut herbs. The local WIC agencies issue the FMNP AFI's and provide nutrition education on the importance of  using fruits and vegetables in the diet daily.

Currently there are over 40 participating farmers markets across Kentucky that accept WIC FMNP AFI's.

 To be eligible you must:

• Be a certified WIC recipient in the counties WIC FMNP covers.
  Click here to apply for WIC beneifts. 
• Be a woman who is pregnant, postpartum (up to 6 months) or breastfeeding (up to 1 year)
• Be an infant (age 1 by October 1st for WIC FMNP)
• Be a child up to age 5

A variety of fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs may be purchased with WIC FMNP AFI's. Each state agency develops a list of fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs that can be purchased. Click here for a list of Kentucky’s approved foods for Farmers Market.

WIC FMNP is administered through a federal/State partnership in which the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) provides cash grants to state agencies. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture Food Distribution Program administers FMNP and works in conjunction with the State WIC Program to administer the benefits to WIC participants through local health departments. WIC participants receive nutrition education at the time of their visit and FMNP AFI's are issued.   AFI's are usually issued beginning in May of each year and can be used through mid October of each year.  Nutrition education may be provided by other local partners such as the Cooperative Extension Programs and Farmers' Market Associations. These partners educate WIC FMNP participants on topics such as how to select, store and prepare the fresh fruits and vegetables they buy with their FMNP AFI's.