Elder/Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
What is the Elder/Farmers' Market Nutrition Program?
The Elder Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (Elder/FMNP) provides elder participants with coupons that can be used to purchase locally grown, fresh Florida fruits and vegetables. This produce can be purchased at authorized farmers' markets from April 1 to July 31.
What Is A Farmers' Market?
A farmers' market is an association of farmers who assemble for the purpose of selling their produce directly to consumers.
Who Qualifies for Elder/FMNP?
Low-income elders who are age 60 and older.
If You Qualify You Will Receive:
-- Elder/FMNP coupons that can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from participating
farmers' Markets located in Alachua, Bay, Jackson, Leon, Sumter, Suwannee and Union
counties. To find the issuance site in your county, call (850) 414-2000.
-- Nutrition education material that contains some basic recipes and nutrient information for
fruits and vegetables.
-- The list and map of participating farmers' markets in your area.
How To Use The Elder/FMNP Coupons
1. Go to the authorized farmers' market in your area.
2. Look for farmers at the market displaying this sign stating "We Gladly Accept FMNP Coupons
Here."
3. Choose from the locally grown FMNP-approved produce available.
4. Show the farmer your Elder/FMNP identification card.
5. Sign your name on the coupon and give the coupon to the farmer.
6. Only authorized fresh fruits and vegetables may be purchased with Elder/FMNP coupons.
Read the List of Fresh Vegetables That Can be Purchased With Elder/FMNP Coupons
Read the List of Fresh Fruits That Can be Purchased With Elder/FMNP Coupons
Read the List of Counties Where Elder/FMNP Coupons are Accepted
Download the Elder/FMNP Brochure (PDF)
Remember
-- You must use your Elder/FMNP coupons to buy only locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables.
-- Elder/FMNP coupons may not be used to purchase baked goods, seafood, or processed foods such
as jams, honey, apple cider, fruit juices, pickles, or cane syrup.
-- Elder/FMNP coupons are only issued in $4 amounts.
-- You will not receive any change back if your purchase is less than $4. Ask the farmer if you
can receive additional produce to make up the difference.
Health Benefits Of Fresh Fruits And Vegetables
-- Fresh fruits and vegetables are high in many important vitamins and minerals. Some of these
can also be a rich source of fiber in your diet.
-- Fruits and vegetables high in vitamin A can give you and your little one more energy.
Examples: Cantaloupe, collards, mangos, sweet potatoes, carrots, lettuce, spinach, squash.
-- Fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C can lower your chances of getting cancer or heart
disease. Examples: broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, grapefruit, oranges, strawberries, bell peppers,
cantaloupe, collards, mangos, spinach, tomatoes.
-- Fruits and vegetables high in fiber can add color flavor and variety to your diet. Examples:
blackberries, carrots, oranges, sweet potatoes, spinach, blueberries, grapefruit, strawberries,
cooked beans and peas.
Equal Opportunity Statement
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call 800-795-3272 or 202-720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Contact
Florida Department of Elder Affairs
Nutrition Program Manager
4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 280-J
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-7000
Telephone: (850) 414-2184
Email: hodgesm@elderaffairs.org
