WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program

Farmers Market

What is the WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program?

The Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) was established by Congress in July 1992, to provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits and vegetables through farmers' markets and roadside stands to WIC participants, and to expand awareness, use of, and sales at, farmers' markets and roadside stands.

Eligible WIC participants are issued FMNP checks in addition to their regular WIC benefits. These checks can be used to buy eligible foods from farmers' markets or roadside stands that have been approved by the state agency to accept FMNP checks. 

Who is eligible?

  • WIC program participants who are pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding women.
  • Children between age 6 months and 5 years.

What foods are available through the FMNP?

A variety of fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs may be purchased with FMNP checks. State agencies can limit sales to specific foods ground within state boarders to encourage FMNP recipients to support the farmers in their own states. 

                           2020 McLean County WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

                                                                        Farmers' Market checks are here! 
                                                                     Checks are valid July through October
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New this year: 

  • You will receive $20 in Farmers' Market checks
  • Your infant 6 months and older can now receive Farmers' Market checks

Use your WIC Farmers' Market checks at the following locations:

Downtown Bloomington Farmers' Market and Artists' Alley
(On the square at Main and Jefferson)
Saturday Mornings - 7:30 a.m.- noon
Link accepted here! 

Brown's Truck Farm
(Located in Bloomington) 
10499 E 1400 North Rd
Dates to be determined

Crump Family Gardens
(Located in Carlock)
10396 E 2100 North Rd, Carlock, IL
Mon-Fri 9-6
Sat- Sun 9-5

O'Rourke Family Gardens Home Stand
(Located in Downs)
10833 N 2400 East Rd
Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun- various times

Troyer Family Gardens
(Located in Hudson)
17671 E 2300 North Road, Hudson, IL
Monday-Saturday 8-6
Sunday 11-6

Things to remember when using your Farmers' Market checks:

  • You many only purchase locally grown fruits, vegetables, and cut herbs.
  • Do not ask unauthorized farmers or WIC grocery stores to take your checks. Look for the red sign.
Farmer Market sign
  • You will not receive change for Farmers' Market checks.
  • Try to purchase as close to $5.00 worth of fruits and vegetables as possible.
  • You can use cash with your Farmers' Market checks. For example: if you buy $5.50 worth of fruits and vegetables, you can give the farmer one signed check plus 50 cents.

Not approved for purchase with WIC Farmers' Market checks:

  • Baked goods
  • Bread
  • Canned vegetables
  • Dried beans and peas
  • Honey
  • Indian or ornamental corn
  • Jelly or jam
  • Noodles
  • Nuts
  • Ornamental pumpkins
  • Plants
  • Popcorn