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Vegetables

Farmers Market
Nutrition Program

Farmers Market Checks will be available starting June 2025

What is the Farmers Market Nutrition Program?

Cherry Tomatoes

The Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) creates more access to fresh local produce for WIC participants and low-income seniors while supporting local farmers!

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FMNP provides a set of 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 participating farmers at farmers markets and their farm stands. Checks are available starting June 1st and can be used throughout the season 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.​

Explore below to learn how the program works, how to get FMNP checks, participating locations in the Lehigh Valley, and other valuable resources for using the program!

How Do I Get FMNP Checks?

Seniors or their proxy apply for checks each year. Click the button learn how!

WIC participants receive checks at their WIC appointment. Click the button to learn more!

Where and When Can I Use My FMNP Checks

FMNP checks can be used from June 1st - November 30th. After November 30th, FMNP checks expire and can not be used.

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You can use your FMNP checks at participating farmers markets, farm stands, and mobile markets. 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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Checks 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 in Lehigh and Northampton Counties!

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Watermelons

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 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, apple slices, or applesauce.

 

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 processed foods

Check out  this harvest calendar to see what is in season!

How to Shop with FMNP Checks

Once you receive your FMNP checks, using them is easy! Simply take your vouchers to a participating location and select the eligible 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.

Person buying fresh fruit at a farmers market
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How Do I Use the Produce I Buy?

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Its easy to store, prepare, and enjoy your fresh local produce once you learn how! Visit our resources page to find:

  • ​What's in season locally

  • How to store fresh produce

  • How to prep vegetables

  • Recipes

  • Pantry staples to make quick meals

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Brought to you by

Second Harvest Food Bank LVNEPA Logo

It is our mission to obtain food and distribute it to people in need through area non-profits, and to provide resources for education and advocacy to end hunger. Second Harvest Food Bank (SHFB) serves over 200 agencies in a six-county area: Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, and Wayne counties.

SHFB works diligently to connect local foods with area food pantries and our community through our Local Food Purchase Agreement Program, by promoting Farmers Market Nutrition Program Vouchers, and through our farm incubator program, The Seed Farm.​

Contact Us

If you have questions about these programs or would like assistance,

don't hesitate to contact us!

Ellen Underwood

Local Food Sourcing Coordinator

eunderwood@caclv.org

484-852-1659

Fresh Food Access Lehigh Valley Resources Logo
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