• for Farmers
• for Farmers' Market managers
• for Consumers

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.

Farmers’ Market Coupon Program Training for Growers and Market Managers

It is no too to late for growers and market managers to register for the Farmers' Market Coupon Program for the 2008 market season. USDA has recently approved phone trainings which can be arranged at a convenient time for growers or managers. In addition, in person trainings can also be organized if preferred.  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 a state agreement. Growers and market managers returning to the coupon program do not need to attend a training session. Returning growers and markets are encouraged to return their recertification form as soon as possible in order to participate in the 2008 Coupon Program. 

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.

Related Links:

• National Association of Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs

• Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program

• USDA Food and Nutrition Service