1. Farmers Market Nutrition Program in Alaska WIC FMNP Diane VanEpps
Asst. WIC Vendor Coordinator
Senior FMNP
Janelle Gomez
Community Nutritionist
Introductions
Purpose of presentation:
- give an overview of the FMNP
- network with farmers or FM reps who may be interested in participating in the program next year
- solicit interest among agencies, companies or organizations that may want to support the program
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2. What is FMNP?
Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is a federal program established by Congress in July 1992
FMNP is administered through a Federal/State partnership
USDA/FNS awards cash grants to State agencies such as agriculture or health departments
The WIC FMNP is a federal program established by Congress in July 1992 by Public Law
The program is operated through a federal/state partnership in which federal grants are awarded to State agencies such as departments of agriculture or health. The State agencies are required to provide matching funds for a portion of the federal grant.
State agencies must have their proposed plans of operation approved by the US Dept of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service.
In Alaska, the grant is administered by staff of the Family Nutrition Program in the Office of Children’s Services, which is part of Dept. of H&SS.
For the past several years, the State was required to provide 30% match for the entire amount of the federal grant.
The federal grant for AK has been approximately $290K, or which about $$240K was for Food and $50K was for Administration.
The State match requirement was about $124K.
The federal regulations were recently amended and for the 2005 & 2006 program, the State matching requirement for the WIC FMNP has been reduced. The State will now have to match 30% of just the Administrative portion of the federal grant.
In 2001, the program was expanded to provide benefits to eligible Seniors through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP).
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3. Purpose of FMNP
Provide fresh, nutritious, locally grown fruits & vegetables to WIC participants
Provide nutrition education to participants
Expand awareness & use of farmers markets and increase their sales
The FMNP aims to improve the diets of low income women, infants, children and seniors by providing financial assistance for them to buy fresh, locally grown produce.
Participants learn about nutrition and the health benefits of eating nutritious fruits and vegetables.
The program also promotes local farmers markets. Participants receive information about the locations and hours of authorized farmers markets in their area.
By shopping at local FMs and interacting directly with the farmers, they learn firsthand where their food comes from, and they learn how to select, store and prepare various kinds of fruits and vegetables.
Farmers sales are increased through the program and many participants continue to shop at farmers markets even after they have used all of their FMNP coupons.
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4. How does FMNP work? Participants receive coupons
from WIC or Senior agency
Coupons are used to buy fresh produce at authorized farmers markets
Farmers turn coupons in to receive payment
Participants learn about farmers markets and receive nutrition education & healthful foods!
For both the WIC and Senior FMNP…
Eligible participants receive “coupons” that may be spent like cash to buy fresh produce from authorized farmers.
The farmers turn in the coupons they accept in order to receive payment.
Farmers help participants learn about various kinds of fruits and vegetables. People are more likely to try something new if they are able to try a sample, or if they get tips or recipes for preparation.
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5. How is Nutrition Education provided?
Participants receive nutrition education materials with their coupons
Farmers provide tips and information about storage and preparation of fresh vegetables
FMNP staff do cooking demos at the farmers market
Nutrition education is a big part of the FMNP.
Most participants receive some basic information when their FMNP coupons are issued by the WIC or Senior agency. This may include some simple recipes or tips for determining when various fruits or vegetables are ripe, as well how to store them to preserve quality and freshness.
The farmers also provide a lot of helpful information to participants. We often hear that participants love having the opportunity for their children to learn firsthand about fresh fruits and vegetables that are grown right in their local area.
WIC program staff sometimes conduct cooking demonstrations either at their clinics or right at the farmers markets.
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6. How do Farmers Benefit? Increased sales Expanded customer base
In 2005, WIC recipients spent over $200,000 at farmers markets.
The Senior FMNP generated $43,340 in sales.
The most important benefit of the program for farmers is the increase in sales and customers.
The WIC FMNP generated over $200,000 in sales during Aproximately 24% more was spent on food this year than last. Fortunately, we receive an additional $41,300 reallocated funds from USDA for food purchases. Unfortunately our FY06 Base grant has not increased and we can’t depend on the additional FY06 food funding. Later we will discuss some of the options to consider in light of decreased FMNP funding.
Reduced funding was received for the Senior FMNP in 2005 to 63,293 and redemptions totaled $43,340.
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7. Who is Eligible for FMNP Benefits?
The Farmers Market Nutrition Program serves two primary groups:
The first is: Women, infants and children that participate in the WIC program.
The second is: Seniors over age 60 who meet income eligibility criteria.
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8. WIC Population Served:
“WIC” stands for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children.
WIC participants are:
Women who are pregnant or just had a baby
Children up to age 5
Infants (must be 4 months old
for FMNP)
WIC participants must meet
income eligibility guidelines and be at
nutritional risk.
WIC participants eligible for FMNP benefits include women who are pregnant,
breastfeeding or have recently delivered a baby,
Infants who are over four months of age and
Children up to five years of age.
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9. Senior Population Served:
Seniors who are 60 and older
Whose income is at or below
185% of poverty level
In order to participate in the Senior FMNP in their area, Seniors must be at least 60 years old, and
their income must be at or below 185% of the poverty level for Alaska.
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10. Who is NOT Eligible for SFMNP
Spouses who are not
yet 60
Seniors who are 60
and over but do not meet income guidelines
Disabled adults under age 60
Seniors who are not eligible are those who:
Are not yet 60, (even if their spouse is over 60 and eligible)
Are over 60, but do not meet income guidelines
Are disabled, but under 60
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11. History of FMNP in AK

12. WIC FMNP in AK
In 1998, WIC applied for a grant to pilot FMNP in Fairbanks.
Since then, the WIC FMNP has served:
Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, Wasilla
Fairbanks, Delta, North Pole
Kenai, Soldotna, Homer
Kodiak Metlakatla
Dillingham Nome Valdez
The FMNP in Alaska has grown each year since it was first piloted in Fairbanks in 1998.
The WIC FMNP has expanded to serve more areas as shown on the slide. However, participation fluctuates from
year to year due to Alaska’s harsh seasons and many factors that affect crops and growing conditions.
As many as 85 farmers have been authorized for the program in some years; selling at as many as 14 FM’s and 23 farmstands.
The areas with the greatest participation are Anchorage/Mat-SU and Fairbanks.
Smaller farmers markets, and farmstands, have been authorized in areas where there are not as many eligible participants.
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13. In 1998, about 3,900 WIC participants received Farmers Market coupons.
This slide shows the growth in the number of WIC participants receiving FMNP benefits.
In 1998, about 3,900 WIC participants received Farmers Market coupons.
By 2004, the number of participants who received coupons had risen to 18,513. In 2005 number of participants was down slightly to 16,544.
Unfortunately, many WIC participants do not actually use their coupons for reasons such as:
Lack of transportation
Hours of the market conflict with their schedules
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14. It has gone from about $22,000 in 1998 to over $200,000 in 2005.
Here you can see how the total value of WIC FMNP Redemptions has grown over the years.
It has gone from about $22,000 in 1998 to over $200,000 in 2005.
For the 2005 season, farmers received $200,369 in sales from the FMNP!
1998 $21,976
160,895
200,369
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15. Senior FMNP in AK
2001-SFMNP was piloted in Anchorage, Wasilla & Mat-Su
2002- Fairbanks & North Pole were added
Served all the areas above, plus Nenana and Delta Junction

16. The redemption rates in each year were: 2001 40% 2002 53% 2003 77% 65%
This graph shows the number of Seniors who received, and redeemed, Senior FMNP coupons, in each year from 2001 to 2005.
The redemption rates in each year were: % % %
65%
68.5%
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17. SFMNP Redemptions
This slide demonstrates the growth of the Senior FMNP in Alaska. In 2001, the first year of the program, slightly over $21,000 was spent out of the available $100,000.
In 2002, only $45,316 was available for the program, and $34,311 was actually spent; almost 76%
In 2003, when the available funding was $52,221, the grant was actually OVERSPENT by more than $14,000, (as shown by the red area in the chart).
For the 2005 season, the grant amount received for the Senior FMNP was $63,293. $65,910 was spent.
, actual 21, 126
, actual, 34, 311
, ,005 carryover= 52, actual 66, 335
2004—$70,498 received (had requested $111,000—based on serving 3700 seniors, which is 77% of the eligible 4,904 in Kenai, Anchorage/Mat-Su and Fairbanks region)
Amount of grant spent in FY 04 was $65,910.
2005- $63,293 a 10% cut from 2004 grant. 43,340 was spent which is 68.5% of the grant amount Participation is down
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18. Farmers & Farmers’ Markets
Okay, now we’re going to talk a little bit about the criteria for Farmers Markets and farmstands to participate in the FMNP.
Who Can Participate?
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19. Criteria for Authorization
Markets:
Availability of Locally Grown Produce
- (Quantity, Variety, Quality)
Accessibility to Potential Recipients
- Number of Participants in Area
- Location
Scheduled Dates and Hours
Farmstands:
Location & Hours
Quantity & Selection of Produce
The level of funding determines the overall scope of the program and the number of areas that may be served.
We consider how many eligible participants are in the area and whether or not there is enough local produce available to meet the demand.
There must be a sufficient number of farmers to support the expected FMNP recipient population in addition to non-FMNP customers.
Markets need to provide a wide selection of produce and support from sales other than just the FMNP.
Access Issues – Markets should be in locations that are accessible to recipients with as few barriers as possible.
Farm stands, (where an individual farmer sells directly at the farm or at a roadside stand,) may be authorized if they are located in areas where access to markets is limited or if their days/hours of operation provide alternate access for those who may not be able to shop at an authorized market.
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20. Application Process 1) Farmers & Markets Apply
List produce grown & sold
Provide location(s) & hours
2) Applications Reviewed by
OCS/Family Nutrition Program staff
3) If approved, Agreement is signed by farmer/market/farmstand rep & State
4) Farmer is issued number stamp & decal.
ONE application is used for farmers to apply for BOTH the WIC & SENIOR FMNP, although the Senior program is not offered in as many areas. Farmers do NOT have to submit separate applications to be authorized for both programs.
The application forms contain information about your farm or market, such as:
the kinds of crops you grow and sell
the locations where you plan to sell
the season, dates and hours you sell at each location
This information is needed so we can determine if you meet the requirements of the program and so we can let recipients know where and when to shop at the market or farmstand.
If your application is approved, you are asked to sign an Agreement that contains Policies, Procedures and Rules to which all Farmers, Markets and Farmstands must adhere. The Agreement is also signed by a representative of the State.
Once approved, the farmer is assigned a number and issued a rubber stamp that must be stamped on each WIC or Senior coupon accepted during the season.
Other materials that may be sent to participating farmers include: Posters identifying those who are authorized to accept FMNP coupons, newsletters and samples of nutrition education materials.
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21. Rules Common to Both: WIC & Senior FMNP
Many of the basic rules for the FMNP are the same for both the WIC and Senior programs, although some procedures differ between the two programs.
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22. Eligible Foods - Fresh Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs
- Must be locally grown in AK
- Processed Foods Not Allowed
The kinds of food that may be purchased with WIC and Senior FMNP coupons include:
Produce that is not locally grown such as bananas or oranges cannot be sold in Alaska.
The definition of “eligible foods” is: fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs.
Foods cannot be processed or prepared beyond their natural state except for usual harvesting and cleaning processes.
Examples of foods that cannot be purchased with FMNP coupons are shown in the slide.
NO: honey, preserves, eggs, nuts, seeds, meat, cheese, seafood, maple syrup, cider
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23. (Same quality, selection
Treatment of Customers
NO discrimination
Display FMNP signs to help
customers find you
Provide equitable treatment
(Same quality, selection
& price as offered
to others)
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24. Redemption Rules (WIC and Senior)
Do not charge sales tax
No change can be given to recipients
Farmer must provide full value in fruits and/or vegetables
Stamp Farm # on front of each coupon
WIC & Senior Customers may use warrants through October 31
WIC & senior participants may use their coupons through the end of October, although most farmers markets in Alaska shut down earlier than that.
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25. Procedures
that
Differ
Between
WIC & Senior
FMNP

26. WIC FMNP COUPONS (or WARRANTS)
For 2006, warrants have $5.00 value
Eligible recipients receive five $ warrants = $25
Here you see an example of a WIC Farmers Market coupon from You may also hear the coupons referred to as “warrants” or vouchers.
Please note that in 2005, the coupon amount increased from $4 to $5.00 AND participants receive $25 worth instead of $20. USDA funding has not increased; the coupon amount will stay the same in 2006.
The federal regulations were amended in 2004 so that States may offer a maximum benefit of $30 per person using federal funds. (States may provide a higher benefit amount if additional funding is obtained from other sources.)
For 2006, eligible WIC participants will receive $25.00 worth of FMNP coupons; five coupons each with a value of $5.
In Alaska, the WIC FMNP warrants are issued to eligible participants by their local WIC agencies, beginning in June.
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27. Redemption of WIC FMNP Warrants
Deposit or cash at your bank on a regular basis
Farmers must deposit by Nov. 30 (If they want to get paid!)
Farmers may redeem the WIC Farmers Market coupons they accept at their regular banks.
We ask that they deposit or cash the coupons fairly often throughout the season as this helps us monitor program costs.
In order to receive payment for the WIC coupons they accept, farmers must deposit them by November 30th.
The redemption procedures for the Senior Farmers Market program are a little different procedures and forms for SFMNP will go out to farmers with approval letters
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28. SFMNP Coupons (sample from 2004)
Each coupon has $5.00 value
Eligible recipients receive six 5.00 coupons = $30
This is a sample of a Senior Farmers Market coupon for the 2004 season.
The coupons are a different color each year to ensure that participants and farmers can easily identify the coupons valid for that season.
Various Senior Agencies are authorized to distribute the Senior Farmers Market coupons to eligible seniors, for instance senior centers……
They verify the participants’ eligibility, issue the coupon booklets and keep a log of the coupons issued.
Senior FMNP coupons may be issued July 1 – Oct The sample in this slide shows Oct. 12
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29. SFMNP Farmer Procedure
Submit coupons with a completed reimbursement form to:
TBA in Anchorage area
North Star Council on Aging in Fairbanks area
Coupons accepted must be turned in for reimbursement within 30 days in order to receive payment
All coupons must be turned in to the appropriate agency by Nov. 30
The process for Farmers to receive payment for the Senior coupons is a little different than for the WIC program.
The Senior coupons cannot be deposited directly to the bank. They must be turned in to one of the two agencies that helps administer the program:
In Anchorage – Competive grant TBA end of April
In Fairbanks – North Star Council on Aging
Farmers are required to turn in the Senior FMNP coupons with a reimbursement request within 30 days of accepting them.
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30. National Association of Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs
How can farmers Support the FMNP?
Join the NAFMNP
National Association of Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs
Cultivating Opportunities for Consumers to Buy Fresh Produce from Local Growers
The Nat’l Assoc of Farmers Market Nutrition Programs works to promote development of farmers markets and funding for Farmers Market Nutrition Programs.
The organization is seeking to expand its membership to include more farmers. For further information, refer to the NAFMNP website or ask us to send you information.
(We may have some applications and other information available to distribute???)
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31. For information about FMNP, contact:
WIC Farmers Market Program
Diane VanEpps
Senior Farmers Market Program
Janelle Gomez
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture Policy, this institution is prohibited from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

32. We look forward to a wonderful season and a bountiful harvest!