FARMERS’ MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM WPPM #800-20 Subject: Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Item: Instruction on Using FMNP Benefits

Revised California WIC Policy and Procedure Manual Page 1 of 2 July 18, 2025 PURPOSE: To establish procedures for instruction on the proper use of Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) benefits. POLICY: I. Local agency (LA) staff must ensure that the family representative/caretaker receiving FMNP benefits receives instruction on their proper use. PROCEDURES: I. LA staff must inform the family representative/caretaker receiving FMNP benefits of the following: A. FMNP benefits can be used between May 1 and November 30 each year. B. The names and locations of WIC-authorized farmers’ markets in the local area where farmers can accept FMNP benefits. C. Only WIC-authorized farmers who sell fresh, locally grown produce at WIC-authorized farmers’ markets can accept benefits. FMNP benefits cannot be accepted at farm stands, farm stores, grocery stores, or used to buy produce from non-authorized farmers. D. Only farmers displaying the WIC and Senior Benefits Welcome authorization sign can accept FMNP benefits. E. FMNP benefits can be used to purchase eligible produce only. 1. Eligible foods include fresh, unprepared locally grown fruits, vegetables, and fresh cut herbs for human consumption. 2. Ineligible foods include, but are not limited to, honey, maple syrup, cider, nuts and seeds, eggs, cheese, meat and seafood, foods processed or prepared beyond their natural state, flowers, baked goods, dried fruit, decorative fruits and vegetables, plants, or non-food items. F. FMNP benefits cannot be transferred to another family. G. FMNP benefits must be used solely for eligible foods. FMNP benefits cannot be exchanged for ineligible foods, non-food items, or cash. H. When the purchase amount of the eligible produce exceeds the full value of the available FMNP benefits, funds are automatically drawn from FMNP benefits first, then California Nutrition Incentive Program match funds (CNIP) if available, then

FARMERS’ MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM WPPM #800-20 Subject: Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Item: Instruction on Using FMNP Benefits

Revised July 18, 2025 California WIC Policy and Procedure Manual Page 2 of 2 unredeemed Cash Value Benefit (CVB) and pay cash (or use CalFresh benefits if available) for any overage. I. When a California WIC Card is lost or stolen, the WIC Card can be replaced, and unredeemed benefits (which may include FMNP, FMNP CNIP Match, and/or WIC CVB) are transferred to the newly issued card. Refer to WPPM 330-20. J. When using FMNP benefits: 1. Farmers cannot charge sales tax for FMNP benefits purchases. 2. Farmers cannot charge those using FMNP benefits more than other customers for the same produce. K. The family representative/caretaker has the right to file a FMNP-related complaint. Refer to WPPM 800-50. II. LA staff must document the completion of FMNP usage education in the WIC Web Information System Exchange (WIC WISE) for the FMNP benefit recipient. AUTHORITY: 7 CFR §248.10 7 CFR §248.7 CROSS REFERENCE: WPPM 330-20 Lost, Stolen, or Damaged WIC Cards WPPM 800-50 FMNP Program Complaints RESOURCE: WIC authorized farmers’ market list: wicfarmers.ca.gov WIC & Senior Benefits Welcome authorization sign