F armers M arket N utrition P rogram in Alaska

1. Farmers Market Nutrition Program in Alaska WIC FMNP Diane VanEpps Asst. WIC Vendor Coordinator Senior FMNP Janelle Gomez Community Nutritionist

2. What is FMNP? • Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is a federal program established by Congress in July 1992 • FMNP is administered through a Federal/State partnership • USDA/FNS awards cash grants to State agencies such as agriculture or health departments

3. Purpose of FMNP • Provide fresh, nutritious, locally grown fruits & vegetables to WIC participants • Provide nutrition education to participants • Expand awareness & use of farmers markets and increase their sales

4. How does FMNP work? Participants receive coupons from WIC or Senior agency Coupons are used to buy fresh produce at authorized farmers markets Farmers turn coupons in to receive payment Participants learn about farmers markets and receive nutrition education & healthful foods!

5. How is Nutrition Education provided? • Participants receive nutrition education materials with their coupons • Farmers provide tips and information about storage and preparation of fresh vegetables • FMNP staff do cooking demos at the farmers market

6. How do Farmers Benefit? In 2005, WIC recipients spent over $200,000 at farmers markets. The Senior FMNP generated $43,340in sales. Increased sales Expanded customer base

7. Who is Eligible for FMNP Benefits?

8. WIC Population Served: • “WIC” stands for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. • WIC participants are: • Women who are pregnant or just had a baby • Children up to age 5 • Infants (must be 4 months old • for FMNP) • WIC participants must meet • income eligibility guidelines and be at • nutritional risk.

9. Senior Population Served: Seniors who are 60 and older Whose income is at or below 185% of poverty level

10. Who is NOT Eligible for SFMNP • Spouses who are not yet 60 • Seniors who are 60 and over but do not meet income guidelines • Disabled adults under age 60

11. History of FMNP in AK

12. WIC FMNPin AK • In 1998, WIC applied for a grant to pilot FMNP in Fairbanks. • Since then, the WIC FMNP has served: • Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, Wasilla • Fairbanks, Delta, North Pole • Kenai, Soldotna, Homer • Kodiak Metlakatla • Dillingham Nome Valdez

15. Senior FMNP in AK • 2001-SFMNP was piloted in Anchorage, Wasilla & Mat-Su • 2002- Fairbanks & North Pole were added • 2003-05 - Served all the areas above, plus Nenana and Delta Junction

17. SFMNP Redemptions

18. Farmers & Farmers’ Markets Who Can Participate?

19. Criteria for Authorization • Markets: • Availability of Locally Grown Produce - (Quantity, Variety, Quality) • Accessibility to Potential Recipients - Number of Participants in Area - Location • Scheduled Dates and Hours • Farmstands: • Location & Hours • Quantity & Selection of Produce

20. Application Process • 1) Farmers & Markets Apply • List produce grown & sold • Provide location(s) & hours • 2) Applications Reviewed by • OCS/Family Nutrition Program staff • 3) If approved, Agreement is signed by farmer/market/farmstand rep & State • 4) Farmer is issued number stamp& decal.

21. Rules Common to Both: WIC & Senior FMNP

22. Eligible Foods - Fresh Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs - Must be locally grown in AK - Processed Foods Not Allowed NO: honey, preserves, eggs, nuts, seeds, meat, cheese, seafood, maple syrup, cider

23. Treatment of Customers • NO discrimination • Display FMNP signs to help • customers find you • Provide equitable treatment • (Same quality, selection • & price as offered • to others)

24. Redemption Rules(WIC and Senior) • Do not charge sales tax • No change can be given to recipients • Farmer must provide full value in fruits and/or vegetables • Stamp Farm # on front of each coupon • WIC & Senior Customers may use warrants through October 31

25. Procedures that Differ Between WIC & Senior FMNP

26. WIC FMNP COUPONS (or WARRANTS) • For 2006, warrants have $5.00 value • Eligible recipients receive five $5.00 warrants = $25

27. Redemption of WIC FMNP Warrants Deposit or cash at your bank on a regular basis Farmers must deposit by Nov. 30 (If they want to get paid!)

28. SFMNP Coupons (sample from 2004) • Each coupon has $5.00 value • Eligible recipients receive six 5.00 coupons = $30

29. SFMNP Farmer Procedure • Submit coupons with a completed reimbursement form to: • TBA in Anchorage area • North Star Council on Aging in Fairbanks area • Coupons accepted must be turned in for reimbursement within 30 days in order to receive payment • All coupons must be turned in to the appropriate agency by Nov. 30

30. How can farmers Support the FMNP? Join the NAFMNP National Association of Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs Cultivating Opportunities for Consumers to Buy Fresh Produce from Local Growers http://www.nafmnp.org/

31. For information about FMNP, contact: WIC Farmers Market Program Diane VanEpps 907-465-4704 Email: diane_vanepps@health.state.ak.us Senior Farmers Market Program Janelle Gomez 907-269-8446 Email: janelle_gomez@health.state.ak.us In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture Policy, this institution is prohibited from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

32. We look forward to a wonderful season and a bountiful harvest!