Farmers' Market Coupon Programs

The Hartford Food Systems works closely with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture and various community groups to ensure all state residents have access to farmers' markets. The Department of Agriculture administers the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program which serves the dual purpose of increasing food security for families and individuals while supporting local agriculture.

The Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

In 1987, the Hartford Food System introduced the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP). Under the FMNP, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture distributes food coupons to local offices of the Women Infants, and Children (WIC) program. WIC clients and lower-income seniors receive coupons redeemable only for fresh produce at Connecticut's authorized farmers' markets. In 2002, the Department of Agriculture distributed $700,000 worth of coupons to WIC recipients and lower-income senior citizens.

HFS has played a key role in spurring the creation of similar programs across the country. From 1990 to 1996, HFS administered the National Association of Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs. Today, 34 states and four Native American tribes have an FMNP. Nationally, more than $25 million is spent on the program. HFS continues to advocate for this vital nutrition and agriculture program

Farmers' Market Pantry Coupon Program

This program is modeled after the successful Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP). Since 1991, the Hartford Food System has worked with Foodshare, the Hartford-area food bank, and community-based service providers in Bridgeport and Danbury, to secure private funding for the program's coupons. Coupons are distributed through 40 emergency food pantries to about 3,000 clients. In 2002, clients redeemed $20,000 worth of produce at 12 participating farmers' markets.

The coupons can only be used to purchase locally grown produce and must be redeemed under the FMNP guidelines. These guidelines stipulate that participating farmers sell fresh produce, be eligible to accept the coupons, and cannot make change from any sales.

Beginning in 2003, the Program will be operated by Foodshare in the Hartford area and Park City Primary Care Center in Bridgeport.

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Last updated on 05/09/05