Pennsylvania's Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) provides vouchers to low-income seniors and families to purchase fresh, local fruit and vegetables at farmers markets and farm stands statewide.
The program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) and is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The FMNP is designed to help low-income individuals and families access healthy, affordable food and to support Pennsylvania farmers.
Vouchers are distributed to participants through WIC clinics and for seniors through Area Agencies on Aging and county aging services partners. The value of vouchers redeemed through the FMNP program and dollars directly supporting Pennsylvania farmers who participate in the program is more than $3.5 million annually.
Earlier this year, the Shapiro administration announced a performance-based increase in funding for the FMNP, allowing the PDA to increase the total dollar amount from $24 to $50 for vouchers offered to eligible seniors and from $24 to $30 for eligible women and children.
This increase in funding will help to ensure that more low-income individuals and families have access to fresh, local produce. It will also help to support Pennsylvania farmers, who are facing increasing challenges due to rising costs and competition from out-of-state producers.
If you are a low-income senior or family member who is interested in participating in the FMNP, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging or county aging services partner to learn more. You can also find more information about the FMNP on the PDA website.
Pennsylvania farmers who are interested in participating in the FMNP can also apply on the PDA website.
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Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, General