Farmers' Market
Nutrition Program benefits are now available for eligible families
and seniors across the state.
The program provides checks to be
redeemed at participating farmers' markets and farm stands now through
the end of November for the purchase of fresh, locally grown fruits and
vegetables.
In addition, eligible New Yorkers can
use their checks at even more farm stands this year. The number of farm
stands participating in the program has nearly doubled in two years, from 40 in 2015 to 77 so far this year.
"Increasing awareness and accessibility to healthy, nutritious food is critical to the health and well being
of families across the state," said Gov. Andrew Cuomo. "When New
Yorkers eat fresh, local produce, it not only makes for healthier
communities, but spurs the state's agricultural industry, creating a
stronger New York for all."
Farmers Market Nutrition Program
A total of $6 million in FMNP benefits are available to families through the Special Supplemental Nutrition
Program for Women, Infants and Children.
About 250,000
booklets consisting of six $4.00 checks, or a total of $24, will be
distributed this year, allowing for the purchase of fresh, locally-grown
fruits and vegetables from over 900 farmers vending
at over 600 farmers' markets and farm stands across the state.
Checks are available to eligible families at nearly 400 sites across New York State and at WIC clinic locations.
A pocket folder with instructions on how and
where to use the checks to purchase fresh, local fruits and vegetables
from farmers at the market will be included with each booklet.
Checks
can be used at participating farmers' markets and farm stands through November 30 of this year.
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
The
$2.5 million Senior FMNP provides checks to eligible individuals age 60
and older to purchase $20 worth of produce. Program benefits
are provided on an individual basis instead of per household, also
expanding the reach of the program to older New Yorkers.
In upstate communities, checks are now available at county Offices for the Aging.
Eligible
recipients must be age 60 or older and meet the income eligibility
requirement$1,860 or less per month for a single or $2,504 per
month for a couple — or affirm that they are currently receiving or
eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income, or public assistance
or Section 8 housing subsidy. Recipients cannot have received Farmers'
Market Nutrition Program checks from any other
location this season.
