Mandatory Farmer Vendor
Training Information
Face to Face and Virtual Training Schedule and Letter
Farmer Grower Vendor Agreement
WIC and Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program Application
Purpose:
The WIC & Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs (FMNP) provide locally grown unprepared fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs to nutritionally at-risk pregnant, breast-feeding, or post-partum women, children 2-5 years old as well as eligible seniors 60 years of age and older.
Who should participate:
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the New Jersey
Department of Health, administers the programs. Local farmers are recruited and trained to be Certified Farmer Vendors in the WIC & Seniors FMNP. These farmers benefit from the programs by direct marketing their locally grown fresh produce to eligible participants at their roadside stands and community farmers market across the state.
How the program works:
FMNP benefits are distributed through local WIC Agencies and County Offices on Aging and will be accessed using a QR code issued to each household. Participants in the FMNP are given lists of Certified Farmers Vendors and community farmers markets when they receive their electronic benefits. Each eligible WIC participants will receive $30 and eligible Senior participants will received $50 that can be redeemed for fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs grown by local farmers. The FMNP benefits are valid beginning June 1st through November 30th.
Registration:
To participate in the WIC & Seniors FMNP, you must receive face-to-face training, complete a two-page application and sign an agreement. The New Jersey Departments of Agriculture and Health administer the registration process.
Additional Information for Growers:
A Grower is defined as an individual or entity (non-profit, for profit, greenhouse, community farm, urban farm, etc.) with less than 5 acres of land either owned or leased. If you are a grower and want to apply to the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (S/FMNP) food programs to accept these benefits (on your own or through an authorized Farmers’ Market), check out this vendor requirements and application process fact sheet.
On March 20, 2024, the Office of Urban Extension and Engagement at New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station held a webinar with representatives from the New Jersey Department of Health and New Jersey Department of Agriculture who shared information on requirements and answered questions. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) also provided information about soil testing. The meeting recording and additional information can be found here.
For farmers/growers interested in becoming a certified vendor, contact:
NJ WIC Farmer’s Market Unit
55 N Willow Street, Trenton, New Jersey 08625
609-292-9560
njfsfmnp@doh.nj
Click here for additional S/FMNP FAQ
For WIC and Senior FMNP information:
New Jersey Department of Health
Call 609-292-9560, or e-mail the Farmers market team at njsfmnp@doh.nj.gov
For information or enrollment in the WIC program, contact your local WIC office.
Click here to locate your county's Office on Aging.
To locate a community farmers market where FMNP vouchers can be redeemed, visit https://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/wic/farmers-markets/