Farmers Market
Nutrition Program
Attn Seniors: Farmers Market Checks still available - apply by September and use Vouchers by November 30!
What is the Farmers Market Nutrition Program?
The Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides fresh local produce to WIC participants and low-income seniors while also supporting local farmers!
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The Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides a series of $10 checks to WIC participants and income-eligible Seniors once per year. The checks can be used to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables directly from farmers at farmers markets and their farm stands. Checks are available starting June 1st and can be used until November 30th.
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You may hear the Farmers Market Nutrition Program referred to as FMNP, SFMNP (for seniors), Farmers Market Checks, Farmers Market Vouchers or Farmers Market Coupons.
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Explore below to learn how the program works, how to get vouchers, participating locations in the Lehigh Valley, and other valuable resources for using the program!
Already have your vouchers or deciding if you'd like to get them?
Check out our locations guide to find a participating farm near you:
Jump to a section on this page to find the info you need!
How to Get Seniors Farmers Market Vouchers/Checks​
How Does the Program Work?
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WIC participants receive FMNP vouchers in their quarterly WIC appointment between June and September. Low-income seniors must fill out an application in their county of residence (details below) to receive vouchers.
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Each eligible recipient receives a series of $10.00 FMNP checks/vouchers to redeem at a qualified farmers’ market or roadside stand.
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The checks can be redeemed for Pennsylvania fresh fruits, vegetables, and edible herbs only
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While you must receive your checks from your county of residence, you may use your checks at any participating location in Pennsylvania. There are over 1,160 FMNP participating farmers at 828 farm stands and 88 farmers' markets in Pennsylvania.
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Once you receive your vouchers, simply take them to a participating location and select the produce you would like to purchase. When you’re ready to pay, sign your check and hand it to the farmer. You can not receive change so be sure to use the entire value of the check.
How Do I Get FMNP Checks?
WIC Participants
If you are a WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) participant, you are eligible for 3 - $10 vouchers in addition to your regular WIC benefits if you are pregnant, breast feeding and/or postpartum. You are also eligible for $30 worth of vouchers for each child age 6 months to 5 years.
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You can get FMNP Checks during your WIC appointment between June and September. They can be used from June 1st through Nov. 30th. Ask your WIC manager for vouchers or to learn more!
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Visit our resources section for interactive activities for you and your children, recipes, storage and cooking tips, and more!
Seniors
To be eligible for SFMNP Seniors must be 60 years of age or older and meet the federal income guidelines. The 2024 household income guidelines are as follows:​
​If you are eligible, please apply! This program is here for you and there are plenty of vouchers available. Plus, when you shop with your vouchers you are directly supporting the farmers in your community!​​
You must apply for SFMNP checks in your county of residence. SFMNP checks are distributed by your county's Agency on Aging office.
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All persons wishing to receive coupons must provide proof of age and residence.
A proxy may obtain SFMNP checks on behalf of a senior. Proxies must sign a proxy form provide identification with date of birth and address of the senior. An individual may serve as a proxy for up to 4 individuals. Proxies may also use the vouchers on a seniors' behalf.
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Here is how to apply in Northampton and Lehigh Counties.
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Northampton County Residents
Lehigh County Residents
Northampton County Area Agency on Aging:
610-829-6500
Lehigh County Adult and Aging Services:
610-782-3034
Eligible Northampton County Residents may apply until September 13th, 2024. Once your application is approved, your FMNP vouchers will be sent to you by mail. Applicants may apply by mail, email, or in-person.
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In Person:
2801 EMRICK BOULEVARD, BETHLEHEM, PA
Available between June 4th, 2024 through September 13, 2024 (or until supply of vouchers is exhausted)
Tuesdays: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Thursdays: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
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*Northampton County also offers in-person distributions at select Senior Centers in June each year.
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​By Mail and Email:
Download an application or call or email Northampton County Area Agency on Aging to request that an application be mailed to you.
Phone: (610) 559-3270
Email: fmnp@NorCoPa.org
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Applications can be sent to:
Email: fmnp@NorCoPa.gov
Mail: Northampton County Area Agency on Aging
2801 Emrick Blvd., Bethlehem, PA 18020
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Eligible Lehigh County Residents may apply until September 30, 2024. Once your application is approved, your FMNP vouchers will be sent to you via mail. Applicants may apply by mail or email. Lehigh County does not offer in-person distribution.
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​By Mail and Email:
Download an application below, or call or email Lehigh County Adult and Aging Services to request that an application be mailed to you.
Phone: (610) 782-3200
Email: agingandadult@lehighcounty.org
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If you require a paper copy, call 610-782-3200 to request an application be mailed to you.
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Applications can be sent to:
Email: agingandadult@lehighcounty.org
Mail: Lehigh County Aging and Adult Services
17 South 7th Street, Allentown, PA 18101
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Click the button below to download a Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Application Form. You must apply in your county of residence. If using a proxy, proxies must download and sign the proxy form below and provide it when applying and/or picking up checks.
Where and When Can I Use My Farmers Market Checks
FMNP checks can be used from June 1st - November 30th.
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You can use your FMNP vouchers at participating farmers markets, farm stands, and mobile markets. While you must get your vouchers in your county of residence, you may use them at any participating location in Pennsylvania.
Vouchers can not be used at grocery stores, non-local retailers, or local farms that have not signed up to accept the vouchers. There are many participating locations in the Lehigh Valley - click the button below to explore farms and markets near you!
What Can I Buy With FMNP Checks?
Checks can be used for fresh, unprepared fruits and vegetables grown in Pennsylvania.
Ex. tomatoes, strawberries, cilantro, corn, apples, broccoli, lettuce, cabbage, watermelon, and peppers!
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Unprepared means the produce can not be cooked, cut, or processed in any way.
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Pro-Tip: It will look the same as when its picked right from the field!
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For example, you may use your vouchers to buy a quart of fresh apples, but you can not use your vouchers to buy apple cider.
You may not use vouchers for fruits and vegetables not grown in Pennsylvania
Ex. citrus, bananas, plantains, avocados can not be grown in PA so are not eligible for purchase
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You may not use vouchers for non-produce items like meat, bread, dairy, eggs, prepared or proccessed foods
Check out this harvest calendar to see what is in season in PA!
How to Shop with FMNP Vouchers
Once you receive your vouchers, using them is easy! Simply take your vouchers to a participating location and select the produce you would like to purchase.
When you’re ready to pay, sign your check and hand it to the farmer. You can not receive change so be sure to use the entire value of the check!
If you have any questions about using your checks, farmers or market info tents are more than happy to help.
