Using EBT & FMNP Coupons

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NYS Fresh Connect Checks

(2023) FreshConnect Fresh2You Initiative doubles the buying power of SNAP recipients who shop with their EBT card at farmers markets by giving them an additional $2 for every $2 they spend.  Learn more here.

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Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)

The Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is a state funded program run by the Department of Health that provides checks to women, infants and children who are enrolled in the Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC), and to seniors who are 60 or older and have limited incomes, though the local Office for the Aging.

• Coupon booklets include five $5 coupons, a total of $25.
• Coupon booklets are distributed in early June and July.and are given out on a first-come, first-served basis. They can be used from July until the end of November.
• Coupons can be used to purchase only fresh, local, unprocessed fruits, vegetables and culinary herbs at the farmers' market.
• The coupons can be used at any participating farmers market. Participating vendors at the market will have signs saying that they accept the coupons. Look for vendors who display the FMNP sign or ask vendors if they accept FMNP.
• .Coupons must be used in $5 increments, you cannot receive change.

Check out this helpful brochure with more information on the program:
FMNP Brochure: Resources for Shopping at the Farmers Market.

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About WIC FMNP Checks

The Cayuga County WIC office will distribute $25 in FMNP checks to currently enrolled families. Contact the WIC Office at 315-253-1406 or email cchealth@cayugacounty.usfor more information. To enroll in WIC, apply @ wicstrong.com or contact the local office at the numbers listed above

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About Senior FMNP Checks 

The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is designed to provide low-income older adults with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Those who are eligible are given coupons to use to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers’ markets, farm stands, and mobile markets. The program’s purpose is to promote improved nutrition through increased consumption of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables and expand sales at famers’ markets and farm stands.

Senior FMNP recipients must be age 60 or over, cannot have received coupons from anywhere else, and must sign for and state that they have low-income based on the following criteria:

Gross monthly income at or below 185% of Federal Poverty Guidelines ( 2023-2024 Eligibility):

• $2248/month for a one-person household; or
• $3041/month for a two-person household; or
• $3833/month for a three-person household.

Seniors should contact the Cayuga County Office for the Aging at 315-253-1226 or CCOFA@cayugacounty.us for more information on how to apply and for when and where the coupons will be distributed.

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Using SNAP/EBT at Auburn Farmers' Market

• The Auburn Farmers' Market is the only Cayuga County market that can accept EBT.
• Visit the Market Manager Booth to swipe your EBT card when you arrive. The Market Manager will give you $2 tokens in the amount of money that you swiped.
• Tokens can be redeemed at participating vendors. Vendors should have signs that say whether they accept the tokens. If you don't see a sign, ask.
• You cannot receive change for your tokens, so ask farmers to round the amount of product you are buying to equal whole dollar amounts.
• Only approved products can be purchased with EBT (See below)

What can I buy with EBT/Food Stamps?

You can buy any food including: fresh vegetables, fruit, meats, honey, cheese, maple syrup, dairy, eggs, baked goods, jams, jellies, mushrooms, juice, culinary herbs and other pickled and processed foods. You can also buy seeds and plants used to grow foods.

What is not allowed?

Prepared foods, crafts, ornamental plants

Last updated May 31, 2023