Alaska Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)

Program Overview

Alaska is known for one of the best produce in the country. Its farmers grow fresh fruits and vegetables, aspects that are vital for good nutrition. To allow the eligible seniors of Alaska to receive the produce grown in that state, a program is set up. This program is known as Alaska’s Farmers’ Market program. It has been established for the participants of another program, namely the WIC. This stands for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. Along with the participants of there, the program also caters to the elderly of the state. The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is also known as FMNP. It issues coupons to its participants. These coupons can be exchanged for Alaska-grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs. They can be redeemed at local Farmers’ Markets and farm stands. The program aims to help the health of its residents by providing them with nutritious goods. Along with this, its goal is to improve the economy of the state as well. They can achieve this improvement by bringing new customers to the Alaskan farmers through the program. Customers who the farmers can directly sell their products to.

The FMNP is a program found in various states of the United States of America. Therefore, it is funded by both the USDA and the State of Alaska. The USDA stands for the United States Department of Agriculture. It hopes to ensure that the majority of the American population receives a proper diet. This helps to prevent any sort of malnutrition that may take place. It tackles the issue at the grassroots.

Eligibility Criteria

The FMNP has certain requirements attached to it. It hopes to cater to the most deserving candidates through the help of these requirements. Considering the limited funds it has to distribute, it has to allocate them effectively and efficiently. The FMNP is a program that provides benefits to:

• A resident of the state of Alaska
• A U.S. citizen or legal immigrant
• Participants of the WIC program, or, low-income seniors.
• Participants who live in the areas with Farmers’ Market and farm stands availability

Farmers’ Markets are spread out throughout the state of Alaska. These markets are divided into two categories which are the two categories of FMNP applicants. The WIC Farmer’s Market Program operates in the following regions of the state:

• Anchorage
• Mat-Su Valley
• Fairbanks
• Kenai Peninsula
• Bethel
• Southeast Alaska

On the other hand, the Farmer’s Market Program for seniors can be found in:

• Anchorage
• Fairbanks
• Palmer/Wasilla areas

The areas of expansion are dependent upon both the funds and the Alaskan farmer participants. With their increase, the distribution areas may increase as well. Allowing a majority of the population to avail the nutritious benefits of the produce grown.

How to Apply

WIC participants can receive the FMNP benefits at the time of their WIC appointment. They are given the coupons if they are an eligible WIC applicant and living near Farmers’ Market. An eligible senior can also pick these coupons without any hurdles. They are available for them at the local senior centers throughout the state of Alaska.

The coupons provided to the eligible individuals are worth the amount of $5.00. Every person involved in the program receives around 6 coupons for the summer growing season. These coupons are such that they can only be redeemed at the authorized areas. The areas being Farmers’ Markets and farm stands. To make sure that residents of Alaska are aware of the authorization, signs have been set up. These signs outline whether out not the farm stall accepts the distributed coupons of FMNP or not. The Farmers need to ensure that they offer the full amount of the value of each coupon. These coupons do not work in a manner where the individual receives change. Moreover, the participant must be aware that the coupons cannot be used at any grocery store. It is strictly for the areas that have been mentioned above.

To make it easier for the participants to know about the eligible Farmers’ Markets, a list is given. This list is received by them at the time of coupon issuance. It is may not be inclusive of all the stands due to the early printing deadline. Therefore, it is encouraged that interested people visit the Alaska website for currently authorized farmers.

For Further Information

The interested individuals can simply contact the WIC agency or senior center in their area. They will guide the person in the process of the FMNP program. They will also clear out any queries the individual may have about the program. To find out more about the program, the individuals can also visit the website of the Alaskan Government. This website also contains the appropriate farmers’ market links where you are living. Therefore, you can contact them accordingly.

Also Read: Massachusetts Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)