NYS Farmers Market Nutrition Program
Participating Local Farmers' Markets
Cincinnatus
2704 Lower Cincinnatus Road
Sat. 9AM-Noon
July 2 - Nov. 12Clinton
Village Green
Thurs. 12:30 - 5:30PM
July 7 - Sept. 8Hamilton
Village Green (Broad & E. Broad St.)
Sat. 8AM - 1PM
July 2 - Nov. 5Norwich/Chenango Co.
East Side Park between East Park Pl. & Main St.
Wed./Sat. 8AM - Noon
July 2 - Oct. 29Oneonta
Main St. Plaza, Main St. (Rt. 7) & Dietz St. next to Key Bank
Sat. 9AM - 2PM July 2 - Oct. 29
Tues. 2PM - 6PM July 5 - Sept. 27
About The Program
The New York State Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) provides checks to low-income, nutritionally at-risk families enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program. The checks are redeemable for fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers' markets.
The purpose of the program is to promote improved nutrition through increased consumption of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. It is also intended to expand sales at farmers' markets. The Department collaborates with the New York State Department of Health, the New York State Office for the Aging, and Cornell Cooperative Extension in administering the program.
Eligibility
WIC customers in Chenango County receive benefits automatically.
Seniors receive their FMNP checks from local senior centers. Eligible seniors must be:
- At least 60 years of age.
- Be receiving benefits through Social Security, pubic assistance, food stamps, HEAP, or Section 8 housing
-OR- - Earn less than $1,876 per month for a single senior or $2,454 for a couple.
The NYS Farmers' Market Nutrition Program begins on July 1, 2013 and checks must be redeemed by November 15, 2013. WIC families will start receiving checks in June. Seniors will receive checks through the Area Agency On Aging in mid-July.
How It Works
Checks for fresh fruits and vegetables are given to WIC families who request them. They are to be cashed at authorized Farmers' Markets in the area. (These are groups of farmers who come together in a central location and the group must be recognized by the Ag & Market division of Cooperative Extension. (They cannot be cashed at one-family farm stands or Frog Pond.)
Each family receives one set of checks valued at $24.00. There are 6 checks ($4.00 each). The checks can be used all at once or one at a time. Any one can cash the checks - it does not have to be the recipient or their proxy.
The checks are good only for produce grown in New York State. This includes: peas, broccoli, radishes, tomatoes, carrots, strawberries, apples, squash, potatoes, and pumpkins.
Checks cannot be used for tropical fruits (bananas, oranges), cheese, eggs, baked goods, flowers, canned items, maple syrup or other items that may be available at Farmers' Markets.
Not all farmers take the checks - look for farmers displaying a sign that states: "We gladly accept NYS Farmers' Market Checks."
For more information, contact us via phone at (607) 336-4324 or click here to send email.
