WIC and senior farmers market benefits
Two USDA programs give coupons for fresh, locally grown produce from farmers: one for families on WIC and one for older adults with low incomes. States run both, so the details depend on where you live. A third option, using WIC's fruit and vegetable benefit, also depends on your state.
WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program
- Who qualifies
- Women, infants over 4 months old and children aged 1 to 5 who are certified for WIC, and people on a WIC waiting list. Each state decides which of these groups it serves.
- What it buys
- Fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruit, vegetables and herbs, from farmers, markets and roadside stands your state has approved. Locally grown generally means grown in your state.
- How much
- The federal benefit is $10 to $30 a year, on top of your regular WIC benefits. States may add their own money.
- Where
- State, tribal and territory agencies run the program. USDA lists it in 49 states, but not every state takes part, and some don't run it statewide.
- How to get it
- Find your state's program on USDA's contact map. States not on the map don't take part.
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
- Who qualifies
- Generally, people 60 or older with household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines. Some states accept proof that you're enrolled in SNAP or the Commodity Supplemental Food Program.
- What it buys
- Fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruit, vegetables, herbs and honey, at farmers markets, roadside stands and community supported agriculture (CSA) programs.
- How much
- The federal benefit is $20 to $50 a year, apart from a few states with older amounts. States may add their own money.
- How to get it
- State agencies, such as departments of agriculture or aging, run the program. Find yours on USDA's contact map.
WIC fruit and vegetable benefits at markets
The fruit and vegetable part of your regular WIC benefits can be used with farmers only where your state has chosen to allow it, and only with farmers, markets or roadside stands it has authorized. If what you buy costs more than the benefit, the farmer must let you pay the difference.
On Ripe & Local
A market page shows WIC, WIC Farmers Market or Senior FMNP when the market reported accepting them in its USDA directory listing. Your state decides which sellers can take these benefits, so check with the market or your state program before you go. For SNAP, see using SNAP/EBT at farmers markets.