Farmers Market Nutrition Program - NYC Aging

Department for the Aging


Farmers' Market Nutrition Program


The Department for the Aging’s Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is designed to provide eligible older New Yorkers with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Those who are eligible are provided coupon booklets, worth $25, which can be redeemed at participating farmers’ markets, farm stands, and mobile markets. The program aims to promote improved nutrition through increased consumption of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, and improve sales at participating vendors.

Eligibility Requirements

To receive coupons New Yorkers must be:

To participate, sign-up at the local older adult center or congregate meal site.

Older adults who meet the following eligibility requirements can apply for coupon booklets:

60 years of age or older;

Earning no more than:

$2,322 per month for a one-person household;

$3,152 per month for a two-person household;

$3,981 per month for a three-person household.

Find Your Local Distribution Site

This year there are 350 distribution sites in New York City. To find the closest one near you, click on your borough below. Please also make sure to call the distribution site before you visit to make sure coupon booklets are still available.

Bronx

Brooklyn

Manhattan

Queens

Staten Island

To find the closest vendor to redeem your coupons, visit New York State’s Department of Agriculture and Markets website.

For further assistance or information, calling Aging Connect at 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469).

Additional Program Information

FMNP coupon booklets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Coupons cannot be used after November 30, 2024.

Each participant will receive one coupon booklet with five coupons worth $5 each.

Farmers are not permitted to give change for purchases less than $5.

The only items that may be purchased using FMNP coupon booklets are fruits, vegetables, edible mushrooms, edible pumpkins, and cut culinary herbs grown locally and sold at participating vendors.

Plants (with roots), and any citrus and tropical fruits grown outside of New York State are not permitted for purchase with FMNP coupon booklets.

Processed food may not be purchased with FMNP coupons nor items that are not intended for consumption like painted pumpkins, ornamental gourds, or ornamental corn. (Farmers will not accept coupons for ineligible items like meats, cider, jams, honey, or baked goods, and recipients should not insist that the coupons be accepted for them.)

An individual designated as a proxy or who has power of attorney may go to a participating vendor to purchase food on behalf of a qualified older adult.

Coupons cannot be used to purchase food online.

Resources

Nutrition Education Resources – USDA Nutrition.gov

Nutrition Education Resources – Cornell Cooperative Extension FMNP

Cooking with NYC Aging