Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

Farmer's Market

The Department for the Aging’s Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is designed to provide low-income older adults with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Those who are eligible are provided coupons to redeem fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers’ markets, farm stands, and mobile markets. The program’s purpose is to promote improved nutrition through increased consumption of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables and expand sales at famers’ markets and farm stands.

How to Apply

  • To participate, sign-up at the local older adult center or congregate meal site.
  • Older adults who meet the following eligibility requirements can apply for coupon booklets:
    • Are 60 years of age or older; and
    • Earning:
      • $2,248/month (for a one-person household); or
      • $3,041/month (for a two-person household); or
      • $3,833/month (for a three-person household).

If an older adult meets both the age and income eligibility, he/she may do one of the following:

  • Call Aging Connect at 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469) to find the closest participating older adult center to their home.
  • Visit nyc.gov/aging for a list of participating Farmers’ Markets and stands.
  • Call or go online to 311and search for an older adult center or congregate meal site.

Additional Program Information

  • FMNP coupon booklets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Coupons cannot be used after November 30, 2023.
  • Each participant will receive one coupon booklet with five coupons worth $5 each. Farmers are not permitted to give change for purchases less than $5.
  • Upon receipt, a coupon booklet may be redeemed at any time at participating farmers markets/stands/mobile markets.
  • Fruits, vegetables, edible mushrooms, edible pumpkins, and cut herbs grown locally and sold at participating farmers’ markets may only be purchased. Plants, citrus, and tropical fruits are not permitted for purchase with FMNP coupon booklets.
  • Fresh cut herbs may be purchased, but only if they will be used for cooking or flavoring. Processed food may not be purchased with FMNP checks. Jack-o-lanterns and similar products also may not be purchased, per program rules. (Farmers will not accept coupons for ineligible items like cider, jams, honey, or baked goods, and recipients should not insist that the coupons be accepted for them.)
  • A proxy or power of attorney may go to markets to make the purchase for eligible older adults.
  • Coupons cannot be used to purchase food online.

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