Fresh & Local for Everyone! Sowers Market Now Accepting FMNP & SFMNP Checks

Supporting Healthy Eating at Sowers Market

Sowers Market is proud to announce that we are now accepting checks from the Pennsylvania Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)! These wonderful programs help make fresh, nutritious, local produce accessible to more members of our community, and we're thrilled to be a part of it.

 

What are the Farmers Market Nutrition Programs?

 

These programs provide eligible individuals with checks to purchase fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and edible herbs directly from authorized farmers at farmers' markets like Sowers Market.

1. Pennsylvania Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)

  • Who it's for: This program provides benefits to participants of the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. It aims to increase the consumption of fresh, nutritious produce among pregnant and postpartum women, infants (6 months and up), and children (ages 1-5).
  • What it offers: Eligible WIC participants receive checks (typically $10 each, totaling $30 per person) to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and edible herbs grown in Pennsylvania.
  • How it works: WIC participants can receive FMNP checks at their local WIC office.

2. Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

  • Who it's for: This program provides benefits to eligible low-income seniors aged 60 and older. It helps seniors access healthy foods while supporting local agriculture.
  • What it offers: Eligible seniors receive checks (typically five $5 checks, totaling $25) to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, and fresh-cut herbs that are locally grown in Pennsylvania.
  • How it works: Seniors typically apply for and receive SFMNP checks through their county Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) or participating senior centers. Distribution is often on a first-come, first-served basis and may involve in-person pick-up or mailed applications depending on the county.

 

Important Information for Shoppers:

 

  • What you can buy: Both FMNP and SFMNP checks are generally for fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and edible herbs. SFMNP also often includes honey. Look for the white FMNP signs at vendor stalls to identify participating farmers at Sowers Market.
  • Using your checks:
    • Checks typically cannot be used before June 1st and expire by November 30th each year.
    • Farmers cannot give change for purchases less than the check amount. You must spend the full value of each check.
    • Lost or stolen checks cannot be replaced.
  • Locating Farmers: You can use the official PA FMNP app (available for free in Google Play and Apple App Stores) to find participating markets and farm stands.

 

Find More Information & Apply:

 

  • Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture - Farmers Market Nutrition Programs: This is the primary state resource for both FMNP and SFMNP, offering general information and links to specific program details.
  • For WIC Participants (FMNP):
  • For Seniors (SFMNP):
    • Contact your county Area Agency on Aging (AAA) or a local senior center for information on eligibility, application processes, and check distribution dates in your specific county. The process and distribution methods can vary by county.
    • USDA FNS Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program Contacts: While this is a federal page, it provides a map to help you find your state or local agency contacts for SFMNP: https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfmnp/program-contacts
    • You may also find specific county information by searching "[Your County Name] PA Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program" (e.g., "Chester County PA Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program").

We look forward to seeing you at Sowers Market and helping you enjoy the freshest local produce!