Farmers' Market Coupon Program

Contact: Lisa Damon, 617-626-1731, Lisa.Damon@state.ma.us

The Massachusetts Farmers' Market Coupon Program provides women and children in the Federal Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and elders with coupons redeemable at farmers markets for fresh fruits and vegetables. WIC participants receive these nutrition benefits in addition to the regular WIC food package. Local farmers are reimbursed for the face value of the coupons, thereby enhancing earnings and supporting participation in farmers markets.

Participation in the Farmers Market Coupon Program benefits farmers by attracting a new base of customers to farmers markets, thereby providing additional sales opportunities to participating farmers, allows farmers to capture a greater share of the consumer food dollar through direct marketing, and promotes diversification on small farms by encouraging the production of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables.

Participation in the Program benefits coupon recipients as well. It provides participants with coupons redeemable for nutritious fresh fruits and vegetables, introduces families and others to farmers markets, and supports nutrition education goals by encouraging the selection and preparation of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Five training sessions will be held for the Farmers’ Market Coupon Program at the following times and locations. Trainings are required for all growers and market managers new to the program this season. Coupons cannot be accepted or redeemed prior to training and signing an agreement. If you are unable to attend any of these sessions and would like to begin accepting coupons at your farmers’ market please contact Lisa Damon at (617) 626-1731 to make other arrangements. Growers and market managers returning to the coupon program do not need to attend a training session. Recertification for returning growers and managers is conducted through the mail.

Upcoming trainings for new growers and market managers will be held:

• Tuesday, April 7th, 2009 5:00 pm & 6:00pm UMASS Cranberry Station Library, 1 State Bog Rd, East Wareham, MA

• Monday, April 13th, 2009 4:00 pm & 5:00 pm MDAR Amherst Office, Suite C4, 3rd floor, 101 University Drive, Amherst, MA

• Tuesday, April 14th, 2009 5:00 pm & 6:00pm USDA FSA Office, 52 Boyden Rd, Holden, MA

• Thursday, April 16th, 2009 5:00 pm & 6:00 pm MA building, Big E, 1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA

• Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 5:00 pm & 6:00 pm Topsfield Fair Grounds, Clubhouse, 207 Boston St, Topsfield, MA. Enter at River Gate entrance (lot A)

To sign up and attend one of these trainings please contact Lisa Damon at MA Dept. of Agricultural Resources (617) 626-1731 or Lisa.Damon@state.ma.us.

The Farmers Market Coupon Program began in Massachusetts in 1986, and in 1989, Congress authorized a three-year demonstration project to test the concept in ten states. The success of the demonstration projects led Congress to enact the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Act of 1992, thereby establishing it as the 14th Federal food assistance program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Since that time, the number of states participating in the program has grown significantly.

Funding for the Program is provided by the U. S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service with an additional required state match.

Massachusetts farmers' market coupons are distributed to women and children in the WIC Program, as well as eligible seniors and other individuals. To find out if you are eligible for WIC assistance, click here.

Any farmer participating at an approved farmers market may request certification to participate in the Farmers Market Coupon Program. Certification involves discussing the regulations for the program, as well as procedures for receiving payment for redeemed coupons. To become certified, contact Lisa Damon at the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources at 617-626-1731, Lisa.Damon@state.ma.us.