Farmers Market Nutrition Program

The PA Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) provides checks to eligible WIC participants to buy locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables.

We recommend using the statewide Farmers Market search tool for more accurate information about markets in your area. Remember to look for the farmers market sign (shown below) to identify those farmers markets that accept PA Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks. Checks were mailed to eligible participants beginning in May and can be used through November.

The FMNP is designed to help promote good health by encouraging WIC participants to add more fresh fruits and vegetables to their diet. The program also provides families with nutrition education on healthy eating and helps to support local farmers. Seniors, the Department of Human Services Area on Aging is again distributing checks as part of the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.

Example of the 2022 FMNP Check

Shopping Tips

Regular grocery stores cannot accept farmers market checks
Just Harvest offers this "Fresh Access" Guide to Shopping at Fresh Access Markets(PDF, 1MB)
Information on the Farmers Market Locator App for your phone(PDF, 1MB)
Checks are only good at participating farmers markets
Each check is worth $10
If you spend less, you will not receive any change from the vendor
If you spend more, you can use cash in addition to the checks
Sign the checks at the farmers market
Use your checks before November 30th

Types of Food

FMNP checks can be used to buy unprocessed, locally-grown fruits and vegetables. Citrus or tropical fruits not grown in Pennsylvania such as bananas, oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, tangerines, pineapples, and mangos are not eligible for purchase through the program. Also, processed foods such as jams, honey, cider, and baked goods are also excluded.

Available in Early Summer:

Asparagus
Cherries
Greens
Lettuce
Peas
Rhubarb
Radishes
Spinach
Swiss Chard
Strawberries

Available Mid-Summer:

Apricots
Beans
Berries
Cantaloupe
Celery
Corn
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Melons
Mushrooms
Nectarines
Okra
Peaches
Peppers
Squash
Tomatoes
Watermelon

Available During Late Summer:

Apples
Beets
Broccoli
Brussel sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Squash
Grapes
Kale
Kohlrabi
Leeks
Onions
Parsnips
Pears
Plums
Potatoes
Pumpkins (eating only)
Rutabagas
Sweet potatoes
Turnips
Yams
Zucchini

Note: Fresh Herbs are allowed if they are used for cooking or flavoring.

Farmers Market Resources

FMNP is sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

If you're a senior citizen looking for information on the Senior FMNP program, please call the Senior Line at 412-350-5460, or visit the Allegheny County Department of Human Services Programs for Older Adults.

If you have any questions, please call the WIC main office at 412-350-5801.

Additional Resources

Searchable database of all Pennsylvania FMNP markets (from the PA Dept. of Agriculture)
Information on the Farmers Market Locator App for your phone(PDF, 1MB)

Dates and times subject to change.

The Health Department is not responsible for markets that close early for the season or do not open due to weather.