farmers market nutrition program in alaska wic fmnp diane vanepps asst. wic vendor coordinator...
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Farmers MarketNutrition Program inAlaska
WIC FMNPDiane VanEppsAsst. WIC Vendor Coordinator
Senior FMNPJanelle GomezCommunity Nutritionist
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
Purpose of FMNP
1) Provide fresh, nutritious, locally grown fruits & vegetables to WIC participants
2) Provide nutrition education to participants
3) Expand awareness & use of farmers markets and increase their sales
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!
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
How do Farmers Benefit?
In 2005, WIC recipients spent over $200,000 at farmers markets.
The Senior FMNP generated $43,340 in sales.
Increased sales
Expanded customer base
Who is Eligible for
FMNP Benefits?
“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 Population Served:
Senior Population Served:
• Seniors who are 60 and older
• Whose income is at or below 185% of poverty level
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
History of FMNP in AK
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 NomeValdez
WI C FMNP Redemptions
20042003
20022001
2000
19991998
$0
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
Year
Value
Senior FMNP in AK• 2001-SFMNP was piloted in Anchorage, Wasilla
& Mat-Su
• 2002- Fairbanks & North Pole were added
• 2003-05 - Served all the areas above, plus Nenana and Delta Junction
0500
100015002000250030003500
Receiving
Coupons
Redeeming
Coupons
Senior Participants
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
SFMNP Redemptions
$10,000$20,000$30,000$40,000$50,000$60,000$70,000$80,000$90,000
$100,000$110,000
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
funds overspent
funds not spent
funds spent
Who Can Participate?
Farmers & Farmers’ Markets
Criteria for AuthorizationMarkets: 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
1) Farmers & Markets Apply
1) List produce grown & sold
2) 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.
Application Process
WIC &
Senior
FMNP
Rules Common to Both:
Eligible Foods
- Fresh Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs
- Must be locally grown in AK
- Processed Foods Not Allowed
NO: honey, preserves, eggs, nuts, seeds, meat, cheese, seafood, maple syrup, cider
Treatment of Customers
- NO discrimination
- Display FMNP signs to help
-customers find you- Provide equitable treatment
(Same quality, selection & price as offered
to others)
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
Procedures that Differ
BetweenWIC & Senior
FMNP
WIC FMNP COUPONS (or WARRANTS)
•For 2006, warrants have $5.00 value
•Eligible recipients receive five $5.00 warrants = $25
Deposit or cash at your bank on a regular basis
Farmers must deposit by Nov. 30 (If they want to get paid!)
Redemption of WIC FMNP Warrants
SFMNP Coupons (sample from 2004)• Each coupon has $5.00 value• Eligible recipients receive six 5.00
coupons = $30
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
National Association of Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs
Cultivating Opportunities for Consumers to Buy Fresh Produce
from Local Growers
http://www.nafmnp.org/
How can farmers Support the FMNP?
Join the NAFMNP
For information about FMNP, contact:
WIC Farmers Market Program
Diane VanEpps 907-465-4704
Email: [email protected]
Senior Farmers Market ProgramJanelle Gomez 907-269-8446Email:
[email protected] 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.
We look forward to a wonderful season and a bountiful harvest!